Robert William Goodlatte is an American politician and attorney. He served in the United States House of Representatives representing Virginia's 6th congressional district for 13 terms. He was also the Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over legislation affecting the federal courts, administrative agencies, and federal law enforcement entities. A Republican, Goodlatte's district covered Roanoke and also included Lynchburg, Harrisonburg, and Staunton.