Rep. Bilirakis Votes to Cut Trillions in Spending, Preserve Seniors Programs

Washington, DC (April 15, 2011) – Today Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-09) issued the following statement after voting for the House Republican Fiscal Year 2012 budget proposal:

"If families across Florida have to tighten their belts, Washington must do the same. Ignoring runaway deficits and out-of-control spending is not an option," Bilirakis said. "This budget proposal begins to put our nation back on a responsible fiscal and economic path, while preserving the promises made to seniors and protecting those who have paid into Medicare and are on or near retirement. Make no mistake, those who are 55 years or older would see no changes to Medicare whatsoever."

Related News: Gus weighs in on preserving Medicare in the St. Petersburg Times
Rep. Gus Bilirakis, also from Tampa Bay, is in a Republican district and did not draw one of the ads. But he was on the offensive this week, visiting Coral Oaks senior center in Palm Harbor to explain the plan would not affect current beneficiaries.

Asked if it was fair to ask future retirees to pay more for their coverage, Bilirakis replied instead that reforms are needed. "Our constituents keep telling us, 'Be honest with us,' " Bilirakis said. "The facts are, for future generations, it's not sustainable. We're trying to save Medicare."