Latest legislative update – Congressman Bob Goodlatte

Tax Reform Update
On Friday evening, the U.S. Senate passed their version of tax reform legislation. Now that the House and Senate have passed legislation, the next step is for both bodies to join in a conference committee to work out the differences between the plans. This evening, the House voted to go to conference and formally begin these negotiations. I look forward to productive discussions between the House and Senate to develop a simpler, fairer tax plan that will result in American taxpayers keeping more of their paychecks. Virginia families want tax relief, and now that relief is one step closer to reality. I’ll keep you updated as this process moves forward. I’m hopeful we can get a bill on President Trump’s desk soon.
For more information on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed by the House, take a minute to read my recent weekly column on “Delivering Tax Relief to Virginia Families.”

Here are some of the highlights of the House bill:
You can also get the facts on the plan at fairandsimple.gop.

Deadline Approaching: Senate Must Act on CHIP
Unless the Senate acts, Virginia’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is expected to run out of funding on January 31. Approximately 66,000 children and 1,100 pregnant women in Virginia rely on this program for health coverage. The House of Representatives has already passed a bill that extends CHIP funding for five years with my support. However, the Senate has yet to act. On Friday, I joined with several of my colleagues from Virginia in urging the Senate, including Virginia’s senators, to pass the House bill.

Virginians deserve certainty that this program will continue. Read the full op-ed here.

THIS WEEK IN THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: FBI Director Wray will testify before the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday at 10AM. The House Judiciary Committee has an important responsibility to keep a watchful eye on the FBI to ensure it is fulfilling its missions and that it follows the facts wherever they lead without political interference. I look forward to hearing from Director Wray on the many issues facing the FBI. Click here for more information about the hearing, including the live-stream.

ON THE HOUSE FLOOR: Two bills to help protect public safety are scheduled to be considered by the House this week. The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act ensures that the rights of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and others remain intact even when crossing state lines, as long as an individual follows local concealed carry laws. The Fix NICS Act addresses holes in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to help keep guns out of the hands of persons prohibited by federal or state law from receiving or possessing them. Both of these bills have support from Republicans and Democrats. Click here to read more about these bills.

Recently, Silas, a young man from Roanoke, visited my office to talk more about his social studies project and the U.S. government. It was great to meet him! I wish Silas the best of luck in school.

Photos from the Sixth
Recently, Silas, a young man from Roanoke, visited my office to talk more about his social studies project and the U.S. government. It was great to meet him! I wish Silas the best of luck in school.
Dixie Gas & Oil in Verona welcomed me to their headquarters to learn more about some of the federal regulations impacting propane marketers. Federal red tape can have a significant impact on the ability of businesses to grow and create jobs in the real world. I’ll keep working in the House to do all we can to promote the growth of small businesses by freeing them from unnecessary regulation. Thanks to Chris and the team for showing me around!
Reminder: Open Door Meetings Resume in January
Open Door Meetings hosted by Sixth District staff are not held during the month of December. The meetings will resume in January. If you need assistance with a federal agency or would like to express concerns regarding a legislative issue, visit my website for office contact information as well as the best way to email me.