Bob Goodlatte

Bob Goodlatte

Republican Party

Prior offices

U.S. House Virginia District 6

Successor: Benjamin Lee Cline

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Compensation

Base salary

$174,000/year

Net worth

$2,303,520.50

Education

Bachelor's

Bates College

Law

Washington and Lee University

Personal

Religion

Christian Scientist

Profession

Attorney

Robert William "Bob" Goodlatte is a former Republican member of the United States House of Representatives representing Virginia's 6th Congressional District.

On November 9, 2017, Goodlatte announced he would not seek re-election in 2018. "With my time as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee ending in December 2018, this is a natural stepping-off point and an opportunity to begin a new chapter of my career and spend more time with my family, particularly my granddaughters," he said in a statement.

Biography

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After earning his bachelor's from Bates College and his J.D. from Washington and Lee University, Goodlatte became an aide to U.S. Rep. M. Caldwell Butler (Virginia). He also went into private practice as a lawyer. Prior to being elected to the House, Goodlatte was a chair in the 6th District of Virginia's Republican Committee.

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of Goodlatte's academic, professional, and political career:

• 1993-2019: U.S. Representative from Virginia's 6th Congressional District
• 1983-1988: Chair, 6th District, Virginia Republican Committee
• 1977-1979: District Aide for Congressman Caldwell Butler

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2017-2018

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Goodlatte was assigned to the following committees:

• Committee on Judiciary, Chairman
• Committee on Agriculture

2015-2016

Goodlatte served on the following committees:

• Judiciary Committee, Chairman
• Agriculture Committee

2013-2014

Goodlatte served on the following committees:

• Committee on Agriculture Vice Chair
  • Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, and Nutrition
  • Subcommittee on Livestock, Rural Development, and Credit
• Judiciary Committee Chairman

2011-2012

Goodlatte served on the following committees:

• Judiciary Committee
  • Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition, and the Internet Chairman
  • Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security
• Agriculture Committee Vice Chair
  • Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy and Forestry
  • Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry

Key votes

See also: Key votes

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018

For detailed information about each vote, click here.

• Votes on domestic policy (click to expand)

  Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Conference report) (HR 2)

   Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018

  Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023.

  Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2 (second vote))

   Bill Passed (213-211) on June 21, 2018

  Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance. It also proposed modifying the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as the food stamp program.

  Voted Yea on: Securing America’s Future Act of 2018 (HR 4760)

   Bill Failed (193-231) on June 21, 2018

  Proposed funding a border wall, limiting legal immigration, a mandatory worker verification program, allowing DACA recipients to apply for legal status, and preventing separation of families at the border.

  Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)

   Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018

  Reauthorizes through FY2023 and modifies some Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.

  Voted Yea on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36)

   Bill Passed (237-189) on October 3, 2017

  Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill provided exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.

  Voted Yea on: Kate's Law (HR 3004)

   Bill Passed (257-167) on June 29, 2017

  Proposed increasing criminal penalties for individuals in the country illegally who were convicted of certain crimes, deported, and then re-entered the U.S. illegally.

  Voted Yea on: No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (HR 3003)

   Bill Passed (228-195) on June 29, 2017

  Proposed withholding federal funds from states and localities that chose not to follow federal immigration laws.

  Voted Yea on: American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)

   Bill passed (217-213) on May 4, 2017

  Proposed modifying the budgetary and fiscal provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.

• Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand)

  Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 6157)

   Bill Passed (361-61) on September 26, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.

  Voted Yea on: Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 5895)

   Bill Passed (377-20) on September 13, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.

  Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 6157)

   Bill Passed (359-49) on June 28, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.

  Voted Yea on: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 5895)

   Bill Passed (235-179) on June 8, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.

  Voted Yea on: Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (S 2155)

   Bill Passed (258-159) on May 22, 2018

  Proposed exempting some banks from the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

  Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)

   Bill Passed (256-167) on March 22, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.

  Voted Yea on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)

   Bill Passed (240-186) on February 9, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Further Extension Of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1892)

   Bill Passed (245-182) on February 6, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

   Bill Passed (266-150) on January 22, 2018

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

   Bill Passed (230-197) on January 18, 2018

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 16, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)

   Bill Passed (231-188) on December 21, 2017

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

   Bill Passed (227-203) on December 19, 2017

  Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (HJ Res 123)

   Bill Passed (235-193) on December 7, 2017

  Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017.

  Voted Yea on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

   Bill Passed (227-205) on November 16, 2017

  Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses.

  Voted Yea on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

   Bill Passed (216-212) on October 26, 2017

  Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. (This bill proposed adopting the Senate's budget resolution.)

  Voted Yea on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

   Bill Passed (219-206) on October 5, 2017

  Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027.

  
  

  Voted Yea on: Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3354)

   Bill Passed (211-198) on September 14, 2017

  Proposed providing FY2018 appropriations for the federal government. It combined 12 appropriations bills.

  Voted Nay on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)

   Bill Passed (316-90) on September 8, 2017

  Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts.

  Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 601)

   Bill Passed (419-3) on September 6, 2017

  Proposed providing $7.85 billion for disaster relief requirements, including response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey.

  Voted Yea on: Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (HR 10)

   Bill passed (233-186) on June 8, 2017

  Proposed amending the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, among other acts.

  Voted Nay on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)

   Bill passed (309-118) on May 3, 2017

  Proposed a $1.2 trillion budget to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017.

• Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand)

  Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (HR 5515)

   Bill Passed (351-66) on May 24, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities

  Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)

   Bill Passed (250-166) on January 30, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations for military functions administered by the Department of Defense and for other purposes, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018.

  
  

  Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018—Conference report (HR 2810)

   Bill Passed (356-70) on November 14, 2017

  Proposed authorizing FY2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths.

  Voted Yea on: Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3219)

   Bill Passed (235-192) on July 27, 2017

  Proposed making appropriations for defense, military construction, Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, energy and water development, and for other purposes for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)

   Bill Passed (419-3) on July 25, 2017

  Proposed providing congressional review and measures to counter aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.

  Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180, second vote)

   Bill Passed (380-35) on July 28, 2017

  Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.

  Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180)

   Bill Failed (241-163) on July 24, 2017

  Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.

  Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)

   Bill Passed (344-81) on July 14, 2017

  Proposed authorizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It did not provide budget authority.

  Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 1301)

   Bill passed (371-48) on March 8, 2017

  The $577.9 billion fiscal year 2017 defense spending bill proposed $516.1 billion in base budget funding and $61.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism funding.

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)

114th Congress The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. For more information pertaining to Goodlatte's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections. Economic and fiscal Trade Act of 2015 See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015 Trade adjustment assistance On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302. Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged with trade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Goodlatte was one of 158 Republicans to vote against TAA. Trade promotion authority On June 12, 2015, the House passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill including trade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Goodlatte was one of 191 Republicans to support the measure. Trade promotion authority second vote After the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass the House together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining their original positions on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Goodlatte was one of 190 Republicans to vote in favor of the amendment. Trade adjustment assistance second vote The House passed HR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Goodlatte was one of 132 Republicans to vote against HR 1295. Defense spending authorization On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Goodlatte voted with 227 other Republicans and 41 Democrats to approve the bill. The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015. On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison. Goodlatte voted with 234 other Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill. On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015. 2016 Budget proposal On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, voted against the resolution. Goodlatte voted with 225 other Republicans to approve the bill. 2015 budget On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017. Goodlatte voted with 166 Republicans against the bill. It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015. President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015. Foreign Affairs Iran nuclear deal See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015 On May 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Goodlatte voted with 222 other Republican representatives to approve the bill. Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approving the nuclear agreement with Iran. Goodlatte voted with 243 Republicans and 25 Democrats against the bill. Suspension of Iran sanctions relief On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Goodlatte voted with 244 Republicans and two Democrats for the bill. Presidential non-compliance of section 2 On September 10, 2015, the House passed H Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Goodlatte voted with 244 Republicans for the resolution. Export-Import Bank On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods. Goodlatte voted with 116 Republicans and one Democrat against the bill. Domestic USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 2048—the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015—by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revised HR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005—by ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Goodlatte voted with 195 Republicans and 142 Democrats to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015. Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Goodlatte voted with 237 Republicans in favor of the bill. Cyber security On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies. Goodlatte voted with 219 Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill. On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116. The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Goodlatte voted with 201 Republicans and 105 Democrats in favor of the bill. Immigration On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137. The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Goodlatte voted with 241 Republicans and 47 Democrats in favor of the bill. 113th Congress The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. For more information pertaining to Goodlatte's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections. National security NDAA Goodlatte voted in support of HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote. DHS Appropriations Goodlatte voted in support of HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 and was largely along party lines. Keystone Pipeline Amendment Goodlatte voted in opposition to House Amendment 69, which would have amended HR 3 to "require that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, conduct a study of the vulnerabilities of the Keystone XL pipeline to a terrorist attack and certify that necessary protections have been put in place." The amendment failed on May 22, 2013, with a vote of 176 - 239 and was largely along party lines. CISPA (2013) Goodlatte voted in support of HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party. Economy Farm bill On January 29, 2014, the U.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, also known as the Farm Bill. The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill reformed and continued various programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop. It also cut the food stamp program an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states. Goodlatte voted with 161 other Republican representatives in favor of the bill. 2014 Budget On January 15, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014. The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582-page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill. The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations. It increased the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel by 1 percent, increased Head Start funding for early childhood education by $1 billion, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and protected the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Goodlatte voted with the majority of the Republican Party in favor of the bill. Government shutdown See also: United States budget debate, 2013 On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201. At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference. Goodlatte voted to approve the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate. The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies. The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Goodlatte voted against HR 2775. Immigration Morton Memos Prohibition Goodlatte supported House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status. The vote largely followed party lines. Healthcare Repealing Obamacare Goodlatte supported all attempts to repeal or delay the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Social issues Abortion Goodlatte supported HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196. The purpose of the bill was to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization. Government affairs HR 676 See also: Boehner's lawsuit against the Obama administration On July 30, 2014, the U.S. House approved a resolution 225 to 201 to sue President Barack Obama for exceeding his constitutional authority. Five Republicans—Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Paul Broun of Georgia, Scott Garrett of New Jersey, Walter Jones of North Carolina and Steve Stockman of Texas—voted with Democrats against the lawsuit. Goodlatte joined the other 224 Republicans in favor of the lawsuit. All Democrats voted against the resolution. Previous congressional sessions Fiscal cliff Goodlatte voted against the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003, while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was one of 151 Republicans that voted against the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.

Elections

2018

See also: Virginia's 6th Congressional District election, 2018

Goodlatte did not file to run for re-election.

2016

See also: Virginia's 6th Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Republican. Incumbent Bob Goodlatte (R) defeated Kai Degner (D) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Goodlatte defeated Harry Griego in the Republican primary on June 14, 2016.

U.S. House, Virginia District 6 General Election, 2016

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Bob Goodlatte Incumbent	66.6%	225,471
	Democratic	Kai Degner	33.1%	112,170
	N/A	Write-in	0.2%	768
Total Votes				338,409
Source: Virginia Department of Elections

U.S. House, Virginia District 6 Republican Primary, 2016

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Bob Goodlatte Incumbent	77.9%	18,993
Harry Griego	22.1%	5,383
Total Votes		24,376
Source: Virginia Department of Elections

2014

See also: Virginia's 6th Congressional District elections, 2014

Goodlatte won re-election to the U.S. House to represent Virginia's 6th District. Goodlatte did not face a primary election challenger.

U.S. House, Virginia District 6 General Election, 2014

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Bob Goodlatte Incumbent	74.5%	133,898
	Libertarian	Will Hammer	12.3%	22,161
	Green	Elaine Hildebrandt	11.9%	21,447
	N/A	Write-in	1.2%	2,202
Total Votes				179,708
Source: Virginia Department of Elections

2012

Goodlatte won re-election in 2012. He defeated Karen Kwiatkowski in the June 12 Republican primary and Andy Schmookler (D) in the general election on November 6, 2012. Goodlatte outraised Kwiatkowski, and according to a local news source, he "avoided recognition of his opponent and calls from Kwiatkowski to debate."

Goodlatte emphasized his approval from the National Right to Life Committee, National Rifle Association and National Taxpayers Union.

U.S. House, Virginia District 6 General Election, 2012

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Andy Schmookler	34.6%	111,949
	Republican	Bob Goodlatte Incumbent	65.2%	211,278
	Write-In	N/A	0.2%	666
Total Votes				323,893
Source: Virginia State Board of Elections "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

U.S. House, Virginia District 6 Republican Primary, 2012

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Bob Goodlatte Incumbent	66.5%	21,808
Karen Kwiatkowski	33.5%	10,991
Total Votes		32,799

Full history

To view the full congressional electoral history for Bob Goodlatte, click [show] to expand the section.

2010 On November 2, 2010, Bob Goodlatte won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Jeffrey W. Vanke (I) and Stuart M. Bain (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Virginia District 6 General Election, 2010 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Bob Goodlatte incumbent 76.3% 127,487      Independent Jeffrey W. Vanke 13% 21,649      Libertarian Stuart M. Bain 9.2% 15,309      N/A Write-in 1.6% 2,709 Total Votes 167,154 2008 On November 4, 2008, Bob Goodlatte won re-election to the United States House. He defeated S. "Sam" Rasoul (D) and Janice Lee Allen (I) in the general election. U.S. House, Virginia District 6 General Election, 2008 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Bob Goodlatte incumbent 61.6% 192,350      Democratic S. "Sam" Rasoul 36.6% 114,367      Independent Janice Lee Allen 1.7% 5,413      N/A Write-in 0.1% 262 Total Votes 312,392 2006 On November 7, 2006, Bob Goodlatte won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Barbara Jean Pryor (I) and Andre D. Peery (I) in the general election. U.S. House, Virginia District 6 General Election, 2006 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Bob Goodlatte incumbent 75.1% 153,187      Independent Barbara Jean Pryor 12.3% 25,129      Independent Andre D. Peery 12.1% 24,731      N/A Write-in 0.5% 948 Total Votes 203,995 2004 On November 2, 2004, Bob Goodlatte won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Write-in challengers in the general election. U.S. House, Virginia District 6 General Election, 2004 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Bob Goodlatte incumbent 96.7% 206,560      N/A Write-in 3.3% 7,088 Total Votes 213,648 2002 On November 5, 2002, Bob Goodlatte won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Write-in challengers in the general election. U.S. House, Virginia District 6 General Election, 2002 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Bob Goodlatte incumbent 97.1% 105,530      N/A Write-in 2.9% 3,202 Total Votes 108,732 2000 On November 7, 2000, Bob Goodlatte won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Write-in challengers in the general election. U.S. House, Virginia District 6 General Election, 2000 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Bob Goodlatte incumbent 99.3% 153,338      N/A Write-in 0.7% 1,145 Total Votes 154,483 1998 On November 3, 1998, Bob Goodlatte won re-election to the United States House. He defeated David A. Bowers in the general election. U.S. House, Virginia District 6 General Election, 1998 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Bob Goodlatte incumbent 69.3% 89,177      Democratic David A. Bowers 30.7% 39,487      N/A Write-in 0.1% 66 Total Votes 128,730 1996 On November 5, 1996, Bob Goodlatte won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Jeffrey W. Grey (D) and George R. "Tex" Wood (Virginia Reform) in the general election. U.S. House, Virginia District 6 General Election, 1996 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Bob Goodlatte incumbent 67% 133,576      Democratic Jeffrey W. Grey 30.8% 61,485      Virginia Reform George R. "Tex" Wood 2.1% 4,229      N/A Write-in 0% 71 Total Votes 199,361 1994 On November 8, 1994, Bob Goodlatte won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Write-in challengers in the general election. U.S. House, Virginia District 6 General Election, 1994 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Bob Goodlatte incumbent 99.9% 126,455      N/A Write-in 0.1% 189 Total Votes 126,644 1992 On November 3, 1992, Bob Goodlatte won election to the United States House. He defeated Stephen Alan Musselwhite (D) in the general election. U.S. House, Virginia District 6 General Election, 1992 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Bob Goodlatte 60% 127,309      Democratic Stephen Alan Musselwhite 39.9% 84,618      N/A Write-in 0.1% 160 Total Votes 212,087

Campaign themes

2012

According to Goodlatte's website, his campaign themes included:

• Budget: "Unfortunately, there are too many people in Washington more concerned about spending our money than paying attention to the bottom line."
• National security: "We must also work to take control of our national borders as they are our first line of defense."
• Immigration: "We must strengthen the fight against illegal immigration at our borders. We must move quickly to secure our southern border by increasing border patrols..."

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Bob Goodlatte campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2016	U.S. House, Virginia District 6	Won	$1,776,166	N/A**
2014	U.S. House (Virginia, District 6)	Won	$2,019,678	N/A**
2012	U.S. House Virginia District 6	Won	$1,606,587	N/A**
2010	U.S. House Virginia District 6	Won	$1,006,727	N/A**
2008	U.S. House Virginia District 6	Won	$1,407,767	N/A**
2006	U.S. House Virginia District 6	Won	$1,212,609	N/A**
2004	U.S. House Virginia District 6	Won	$1,022,701	N/A**
2002	U.S. House Virginia District 6	Won	$689,239	N/A**
2000	U.S. House Virginia District 6	Won	$686,250	N/A**
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only availabale data.

Personal Gain Index

See also: Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)

The Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of the U.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants.
It consists of two different metrics:

• Changes in Net Worth
• The Donation Concentration Metric

PGI: Change in net worth

See also: Changes in Net Worth of U.S. Senators and Representatives (Personal Gain Index) and Net worth of United States Senators and Representatives

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Goodlatte's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $1,366,041 to $3,241,000. That averages to $2,303,520.50, which is lower than the average net worth of Republican House members in 2012 of $7,614,097.96. Goodlatte ranked as the 136th most wealthy representative in 2012. Between 2004 and 2012, Goodlatte's calculated net worth increased by an average of 4 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.

Bob Goodlatte Yearly Net Worth
Year	Average Net Worth
2004	$1,798,857
2012	$2,303,520
Growth from 2004 to 2012:	28%
Average annual growth:	4%
Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.

The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership, and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.

PGI: Donation Concentration Metric

See also: The Donation Concentration Metric (U.S. Congress Personal Gain Index)

Filings required by the Federal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated by OpenSecrets.org, Ballotpedia calculated the percentage of donations by industry received by each incumbent over the course of his or her career (or 1989 and later, if elected prior to 1988). In the 113th Congress, Goodlatte is the vice chair of the Committee on Agriculture and the chair of the Judiciary Committee. Goodlatte received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Retired industry. Comparatively, the top industry employer in Virginia's 6th Congressional District was Educational services, and health care and social assistance, according to a 2012 U.S. Census survey.

From 1991-2014, 23.6 percent of Goodlatte's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.

Bob Goodlatte Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$11,806,254
Total Spent	$10,534,983
Vice Chair of the Committee on Agriculture
Chair of the Judiciary Committee
Top industry in the district	Educational services, and health care and social assistance
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Retired	$650,050
TV/Movies/Music	$631,995
Computers/Internet	$613,156
Lawyers/Law Firms	$468,779
Agricultural Services/Products	$421,750
% total in top industry	5.51%
% total in top two industries	10.86%
% total in top five industries	23.6%

Analysis

Ideology and leadership

See also: GovTrack's Political Spectrum & Legislative Leadership ranking

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Goodlatte was a "moderate Republican leader," as of August 2014. This was the same rating Goodlatte received in July 2013.

Lifetime voting record

See also: Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives

According to the website GovTrack, Goodlatte missed 107 of 15,167 roll call votes from January 1993 to September 2015. This amounted to 0.7 percent, which was lower than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015.

Like-minded colleagues

The website OpenCongress tracked the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she voted most and least often. The results included a member from each party.

Goodlatte most often voted with:

• Robert Latta
• Jim Matheson

Goodlatte least often voted with:

• Walter Jones
• Barbara Lee

Congressional staff salaries

See also: Staff salaries of United States Senators and Representatives

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Goodlatte paid his congressional staff a total of $974,888 in 2011. Overall, Virginia ranked 29th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.

National Journal vote ratings

See also: National Journal vote ratings

Each year National Journal published an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year. Click the link above for the full ratings of all members of Congress.

2013

Goodlatte was one of two members who ranked 57th in the conservative rankings in 2013.

2012

Goodlatte was one of three members who ranked 98th in the conservative rankings in 2012.

2011

Goodlatte was one of four members of Congress who ranked 93rd in the conservative rankings in 2011.

Voting with party

The website OpenCongress tracked how often members of Congress voted with the majority of the chamber caucus.

2014

Goodlatte voted with the Republican Party 94.1 percent of the time, which ranked 125th among the 233 House Republican members as of August 2014.

2013

Goodlatte voted with the Republican Party 91.8 percent of the time, which ranked 138th among the 234 House Republican members as of July 2013.

See also

• Virginia's 6th Congressional District
• Virginia's 6th Congressional District elections, 2014
• United States congressional delegations from Virginia

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Jim Olin	U.S. House of Representatives - Virginia, District 6 1993-2019	Succeeded by Ben Cline (R)

[show]

Virginia's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Tim Kaine (D)

Mark Warner (D)

Representatives

District 1

Rob Wittman (R)

District 2

Jennifer Kiggans (R)

District 3

Bobby Scott (D)

District 4

Jennifer McClellan (D)

District 5

Bob Good (R)

District 6

Benjamin Lee Cline (R)

District 7

Abigail Spanberger (D)

District 8

Donald Sternoff Beyer (D)

District 9

H. Morgan Griffith (R)

District 10

Jennifer Wexton (D)

District 11

Gerald Edward Connolly (D)

Democratic Party (8)

Republican Party (5)