Lorain Times

Yesterday, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) visited the Ames National Laboratory in Iowa alongside U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-4), Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-1), and Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-2). The group toured the laboratory to observe ongoing research and discuss its role in addressing national energy and materials engineering challenges.

During the visit, the delegation received briefings from scientists and experts on topics such as rare earth minerals, critical materials, artificial intelligence, and next-generation energy technologies. They also toured the Critical Materials Innovation Hub at Ames, a Department of Energy initiative focused on strengthening domestic supply chains and advancing American energy innovation.

Congressman Latta stated, “As Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I appreciated the opportunity to visit Ames National Laboratory with U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-4), Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-1), Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-2), to see their cutting-edge research in materials science to breakthroughs in critical materials and energy innovation. Our National Laboratories, like Ames, power American innovation and will play a key role in advancing President Trump’s agenda for American energy dominance and global competitiveness. I look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to continue supporting the work of our National Labs.”

Secretary Chris Wright commented on the lab’s contributions: “Ames National Laboratory is leading the way in groundbreaking science and innovation that will strengthen America’s energy future. By investing in critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, and AI, we are building more secure domestic supply chains—bolstering America’s national security and increasing access to affordable, reliable energy for all Americans. These bold steps position the U.S. not just to compete, but to lead, for generations to come.”

Senator Joni Ernst highlighted recent cabinet visits: “Secretary Wright is the fourth cabinet official to visit Iowa this week and it is an absolute breath of fresh air how accessible the Trump administration is compared to the previous four years. America's national labs are not just critical to technological advancement but also national security. The Ames National Lab is a hub of innovation and will help ensure that our nation has the energy and critical materials to power the AI revolution.”

Congressman Bruce Westerman added: “Our DOE Laboratories are working on the cutting edge of research to create new materials and help advance American energy dominance. Coupled with meaningful bipartisan permitting reform, the research from these innovative Labs will ensure America is positioned to unleash the full potential of our natural resources and domestic energy production. It was great to join Secretary Wright, Governor Reynolds and the Iowa delegation for this insightful tour and discussion about the future of American energy.”

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks said: “It was a privilege to welcome Secretary Chris Wright to Ames National Laboratory and showcase the groundbreaking research being led right here in Iowa. Secretary Wright’s leadership at the Department of Energy is critical to advancing President Trump’s bold agenda to unleash American energy and restore our energy dominance. From critical materials to AI-driven chemistry and clean energy innovation, the work at Ames is vital to reducing dependence on foreign supply chains and powering America’s future. I’m proud to support the mission of Ames Lab and will continue working in Congress to ensure our National Labs have the tools they need to drive innovation and strengthen our national security.”

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson remarked: “I was thrilled to welcome Secretary Wright to Iowa and the Ames National Laboratory to highlight Iowa’s continued role in America’s energy dominance. I look forward to working with the Trump Administration to pursue an all-of-the-above and all-of-the-below energy strategy that supports American producers, consumers, and farmers.”

Bob Latta currently represents Ohio's 5th district in Congress after succeeding Paul Gillmor in 2007; he has served continuously since then (https://latta.house.gov/biography/). Before his tenure in Congress began in 2007, Latta held positions in state government including service on county boards as well as both houses of Ohio's legislature.

Born in Bluffton, Ohio in 1956, Bob Latta resides today in Bowling Green at age 67. He completed his undergraduate studies at Bowling Green State University before earning a law degree from University of Toledo.