Latest legislative update – Congressman Bob Goodlatte

Praying for Las Vegas
The events that transpired overnight in Las Vegas are heartbreaking. May God bless our friends in Las Vegas and bring healing to them in this difficult time.

My prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack and their families as well as those who were injured.

I thank the law enforcement officials and first responders who were on the scene in the moments after the attack for their quick action and continued work as this investigation unfolds.

There is still much to learn about what happened, and I will monitor any new information coming out of the investigation.

Tax Reform Framework Heads Us in the Right Direction

October baseball is coming. Regardless of who you root for on the field, you know that any team that has made it this far in the season is one that’s built on a strong foundation. They have the tools that it takes to hit harder, score the big runs, and ultimately win. Wouldn’t it be nice if America’s tax code provided the tools needed to help deliver a win for taxpayers and our economy?

The goals of tax reform are simple: more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks for hardworking Americans. The tax code we have today doesn’t offer those opportunities. The last major tax overhaul was 31 years ago, and in that time the tax code as we know it has only grown more complex and unfair. America’s tax code is striking out.

After months of work, leadership of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee, the tax-writing bodies in Congress, along with the White House, unveiled a Unified Framework for Fixing our Broken Tax Code. This framework offers a positive direction to get tax reform signed into law that lowers rates for individuals and families and helps level the playing field for American businesses.

Learn more about the tax reform framework at fairandsimple.gop.

The framework includes a number of proposals to help inject new life into America’s economy. By doubling the standard tax deduction, the first $12,000 earned by an individual, or $24,000 for a married couple, would be tax-free. That helps you keep more of your hard-earned money. It also proposes an increase in the child tax credit as well as a credit for families caring for non-child dependents. By simplifying the tax code and eliminating a number of itemized deductions, it is predicted that nine out of ten taxpayers could file their taxes on a form the size of a postcard.

If we want businesses to grow and create new jobs, the tax code has to allow them to step up to the plate and compete. The framework proposes a lower tax rate for American businesses, and will help encourage them to keep their profits here at home. I am also pleased to see an elimination of the death tax, which unfairly targets family farms and small business owners.

We must provide tax relief that creates a simpler, fairer tax code, allows hardworking families to keep more of their money, and encourages businesses to invest in the United States. Click here to read my full weekly column.

On The House Floor This Week: On Tuesday, the House is expected to vote on H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act – also known as Micah’s Law. This bill restricts abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Science has proven that at 20 weeks babies hear music, respond to human voices, and, most importantly, they can feel pain. These innocent children deserve a chance at life.

Welcome back to the Capitol, Steve!

It was truly remarkable to see my good friend, Congressman Steve Scalise, back in the Capitol last week. This was his first time back with us since he was shot in June while practicing for the Congressional Baseball Game. His story is proof that miracles do happen. What a blessing to have Steve return to Congress — his recovery continues, but his resolve is stronger than ever. Click here to watch his remarks on the House floor.

Sixth District Snapshots

Luke from Amherst County came by my D.C. office last week to discuss adult continuing education and workforce training.

Dynamic Aviation in Rockingham County recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. I was happy to join them for an event with friends and employees to mark this milestone!