Bilirakis Statement on Greek Austerity Measures

Washington, DC (June 29, 2011) – As Co-Chair of the Hellenic Caucus and member of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe and Eurasia, but more importantly, as the grandson of Greek immigrants, Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-09) has kept a close eye on the financial crisis in Greece.

"It's heartbreaking to watch the events in Greece and I pray that the people of Greece will have the strength, determination, and patience to get through this economic crisis," Bilirakis said. "I am pleased Greece took the right course of action and passed austerity measures, but the situation in Greece should serve as a wakeup call to all nations, including the U.S. Sadly, we could be in the same predicament very soon if we don't get our own financial house in order. That's why I'm pushing for a balanced budget amendment and dramatically lower spending. Governments must live within their means, period."