Health Care
Washington, DC – Congressman Gus Bilirakis today highlighted major policy and funding achievements he helped secure in the FY2026 Appropriations package passed by the House this week. The package includes eight health care policy measures he co-authored and $5.5 million for local projects he sponsored.
Key Bilirakis Authored Policy Wins to Help Seniors and Kids with Cancer:
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Scott Peters (D-CA), Marc Veasey (D-TX), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Mike Carey (R-OH), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) introduced the Genomic Answers for Children’s Health Act, a bill to clarify that children enrolled in Medicaid who have a suspected rare disease or genetic disorder can access genomic sequencing, a diagnostic tool that has quickly become the standard of care, to help get answers more quickly.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Co-Chair of the Congressional Rare Disease Caucus, today praised the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ decision to add Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP), underscoring the importance of early diagnosis for children and families across the nation. Congressman Bilirakis joined HHS Secretary Robert F.
Washington, DC-Last night, the United States House of Representatives unanimously passed the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids A Chance Act, a landmark bill to accelerate pediatric cancer treatments and expand access to life-saving therapies for children battling rare diseases.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), and Ami Bera (CA-06) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act, to protect seniors' access to care by ensuring Medicare keeps pace with rising health care costs.
Pasco County, FL – U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Laurel Lee are once again teaming up with Pasco-Hernando State College and the Pasco Dental Association to host their annual Stars, Stripes, and Smiles event. This community-driven initiative will provide urgent dental care—at no cost—to 100 military Veterans experiencing untreated dental pain and infection. Local dentists have generously volunteered their time and expertise to support this effort.
Washington, D.C. — Earlier this week, U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Blake Moore (R-UT), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Rudy Yakym (R-IN), Terri Sewell (D-AL), and Lori Trahan (D-MA) reintroduced the Ensuring Access to Critical Breakthrough Products Act, legislation aimed at improving access to cutting-edge medical technology for America’s seniors.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Richard Hudson (NC-09), Scott Peters (CA-50), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) introduced the Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services (RESULTS) Act, bipartisan legislation to protect seniors’ access to essential laboratory services.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives today to reauthorize more than $280 million over five years for national cord blood and bone marrow transplant programs—critical initiatives that provide life-saving treatments for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and other serious diseases. The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R.
Washington, D.C. —Today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Raul Ruiz M.D. (D-CA), Dwight Evans (D-PA), and Brad Schneider (D-IL) announced the introduction of the BENES 2.0 Act, aimed at protecting Americans approaching Medicare eligibility from costly and confusing enrollment penalties.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) and (R-NY) today launched the American-Made Medicines Caucus, a group focused on promoting policies to onshore and friendshore pharmaceutical manufacturing, strengthen economic and national security interests and reduce America’s reliance on adversarial countries for essential medications. Currently, the United States imports 90% of all generic drugs and ran a $127 billion trade deficit in pharmaceuticals in 2024.
Washington – This week, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12), Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15) and Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-1) re-filed the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act to expand seniors’ access to audiology and hearing services. This important piece of legislation fixes a long-standing access barrier that punishes both seniors and audiologists and increases the choices Medicare patients have when treating their hearing needs. Under current Medicare rules, seniors are unable to access the full range
Washington, DC - This week, U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX) re-introduced the Consensual Donation and Research Integrity Act, which will protect the dignity of those who donate their bodies to education or research.
Washington, DC: Earlier today, Congressional Vision Caucus Co-Chairs, U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Marc Veasey (TX-33), reintroduced the Bipartisan Early Detection of Vision Impairments for Children (EDVI) Act. The EDVI Act will establish grants for states and communities to improve children’s vision and eye health through screenings, early interventions, and coordinated systems of care.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Doris Matsui (D-CA), and Mike Thompson (D-CA), as well as U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to increase access to molecular diagnostic testing for rare cancer patients.
Washington, D.C.- Earlier today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Paul Tonko reintroduced the Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act. This key legislation builds upon a provision which was signed into law as part of the 21st Century Cures Act to give physical therapists in rural, medically underserved, and health professional shortage areas to the ability to use locum tenens arrangements to ensure their patients continue to receive quality care during a temporary provider absence (e.g.
Washington, DC – Earlier today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Angie Craig (D-MN) re-introduced the Leveraging Integrity and Verification of Eligibility for (LIVE) Beneficiaries Act. According to a recent HHS Office of Inspector General report, an audit of just 14 states found more than $249 million in improper Medicaid capitation payments that were made to Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) on behalf of deceased enrol
Washington, DC: The Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0, a bill co-authored by Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), Tom Cole (R-OK), and Debbie Dingell (D-MI) along with Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) has just been signed into law. The legislation will reauthorize and increase funding for the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program (Kids First), which has supported lifesaving research of treatments for ch
Washington, DC: President Biden has signed the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act into law. This important legislation will help Veterans and their families by modernizing and reshaping the delivery of care and benefits. Specifically, the new law will:
Washington, DC – The Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024 authored by Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), Buddy Carter (R-GA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) in the House, along with Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Todd Young (R-IN) in the Senate, has been signed into law.
Washington, DC: Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Doris Matsui (D-CA) have filed the Scientific External Process for Educated Review of Therapeutics (EXPERT) Act. This bill requires the FDA to establish externally-led science-focused drug development meetings targeting rare diseases. Over 90% of rare diseases have no FDA-approved treatment.
Washington, DC: Last night, Congressman Bilirakis continued his health care agenda, with three measures he authored passing out of the House of Representatives by unanimous vote. All three are designed to help patients who are suffering with a rare disease. The Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024 reauthorizes funding for critical research and awareness efforts at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on the causes, prevention, and development of better treatments for
Washington, DC: Last night, the House passed two key healthcare bills authored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis. These important measures will help preserve the Medicaid program and improve access to telehealth.
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) and U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Doris Matsui (D-CA), co-chairs of the bipartisan Rare Disease Congressional Caucus (RDCC), applaud the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announcement of the creation of a Rare Disease Innovation Hub. The Rare Disease Innovation Hub will serve as a single point of connection and engagement within the FDA to spur and support the development of treatments and products for rare diseases.
Washington, DC: U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) are celebrating the fact that their landmark Parkinson’s legislation was signed into law earlier today. This no-cost legislation will, for the first time, unite experts in a public-private partnership to advance a national project for the purpose of preventing, treating, and ultimately curing Parkinson’s disease once and for all. The Dr.
Land O’Lakes, Fla. — As part of their ongoing commitment to improving access and quality of care within the health care system, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and Congressman Gus Bilirakis hosted a critical conversation with biotechnology industry leaders in the Tampa Bay area.
Washington, DC: U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) are celebrating the fact that their landmark Parkinson’s legislation passed out of the United States Senate today. This no-cost legislation will, for the first time, unite experts in a public-private partnership to advance a national project for the purpose of preventing, treating, and ultimately curing Parkinson’s disease once and for all.
Washington, DC: Earlier this week, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), Mike Lawler (R-NY) and James Moylan (R-GU) introduced the Supply Chain Security and Growth Act. This bipartisan legislation will leverage Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) to facilitate a rapid movement of critical U.S. supply chains to Puerto Rico from less desirable and unreliable locations such as China.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Earlier today, the Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee held a markup to advance several bills that would improve access to quality care, promote patient education and prevention via telehealth, strengthen programs to help at-risk patients in Medicaid, and streamline rare disease research that holds promise for the development of better treatments and cures.
Washington, DC: Earlier today, U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12-R) and Marc Veasey (TX-33-D) introduced the Early Detection of Vision Impairments in Children (EDVI) Act.
Washington, DC – Earlier today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Angie Craig (D-MN) introduced the Leveraging Integrity and Verification of Eligibility for (LIVE) Beneficiaries Act. According to a recent HHS Office of Inspector General report, an audit of just 14 states found more than $249 million in improper Medicaid capitation payments that were made to Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) on behalf of deceased enrollees.
WASHINGTON — Ahead of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s hearing on telehealth services, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.-12) and Diana DeGette (D-Colo.-01), along with
Washington, DC: Earlier this week, Members of the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee reviewed and passed 19 bills to promote public health initiatives and improve patient outcomes. One of those bills approved was the Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024 by Congressman Gus Bilirakis.
Over the past week, Congressman Bilirakis hosted two public forums to help educate his constituents about new scams used to defraud the elderly, new technological advancements in the effort to find better treatments for diseases that disproportionately impact the elderly, and resources available in the community to help seniors remain living independently in their homes for as long as possible. Additionally, Congressman Bilirakis provided an overview of his efforts to help seniors including: preserving Social Security and Medicare, introducing Cutti
WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Lori Trahan (D-MA), Michael Burgess (R-TX), and Nanette Barragán (D-CA). introduced the Creating Hope Reauthorization Act of 2024. This important legislation will reauthorize the Creating Hope Act of 2011, which expanded the FDA priority review voucher program to incentivize pharmaceutical companies to develop new drugs for children with rare pediatric diseases.
Washington, DC: Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), Buddy Carter (R-GA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) in the House, along with Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Todd Young (R-IN) in the Senate, have introduced the Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024.
Washington, DC – Earlier today, the 2023 Susan B. Anothony Pro-Life America National Pro-Life Scorecard was released. It reflects each Member’s support on a variety of pro-life issues. U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis once again earned a perfect A+ score.
Washington, DC: Earlier today Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Terri Sewell (D-AL) introduced the New Era for Preventing End-Stage Kidney Disease Act. This important legislation will help transform the delivery of care to rare kidney disease patients by increasing community and healthcare provider awareness and education.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) are celebrating the fact that their landmark Parkinson’s legislation passed the House of Representatives today. This no-cost legislation will, for the first time, unite experts in a public-private partnership to advance a national project for the purpose of preventing, treating, and ultimately curing Parkinson’s disease once and for all.
Washington, DC: This week, the House passed the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act, which includes a variety of provisions to improve mental health and substance abuse treatment options throughout the country. This package includes four measures authored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis. These four provisions are designed to
Washington, DC: This week, the House passed the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act. This robust healthcare package contains 17 bipartisan proposals to lower health care costs and increase price transparency for patients. It will also ensure continuity for critical components of the nation’s healthcare system, such as Community Health Centers and support for hospitals that
Washington, DC - In this week’s Energy & Commerce Committee markup, members passed a total of 44 bills. Many of these proposals, including four of those authored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis, will help improve patient outcomes and provide enhanced consumer protections for all Americans. More information about each Bilirakis-authored measure is provided below. The next step for each of these proposals is consideration by the full House on the Floor.
Washington, DC - In today’s Health Subcommittee markup, members passed 21 bipartisan bills to help ensure seniors on Medicare have access to the treatments and equipment that give them the best chance of improved quality of life, and that providers have the stability needed to ensure they can provide the best possible care to patients. Three of those bills were co-authored by U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis. More information about each measure is provided below.
(Washington, D.C.) – Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Joe Morelle (D-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Brian Higgins (D-NY), and Doris Matsui (D-CA) are co-leading the Cancer Drug Parity Act, which was introduced earlier today in the House. This bill lowers costs for cancer patients who are prescribed oral medications by requiring that health insurers provide coverage for oral cancer treatments that is equivalent to conventional intravenous (IV) treatments.
On August 29, 2023, Congressman Gus Bilirakis will be hosting a public forum for residents of Hernando, Citrus and Pasco counties to discuss behavioral health issues.
WASHINGTON – Today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Darin LaHood (R-IL), and Doris Matsui (D-CA) re-introduced the Concentrating on High-Value Alzheimer’s Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act to encourage early assessment and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Washington, DC: Today, the House Health Subcommittee voted in favor of four measures authored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis. These provisions are designed to improve public health outcomes,advance critical research
Washington, DC: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has just updated its Mapping Broadband Health in America platform to incorporate maternal health data as directed by the Data Mapping to Save Moms’ Lives Act whic
Washington, DC: Earlier this week, the House Health Subcommittee held a legislative hearing to examine a variety of bills designed to improve public health outcomes through the advancement of critical research. During this important hearing, two legislative proposals authored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis were considered, the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act and the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Terri Sewell (AL-07) have introduced the Timely Access to Clinical Treatment (TACT) Act. This legislation would require that patients be provided their oral drugs within an acceptable time frame. Patients’ access to the appropriate medically necessary treatment within a reasonable time frame is increasingly challenged by our complex health care delivery system. This is especially true for oral drugs.
Washington, DC: U.S.Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), Greg Murphy (R-NC), and Danny Davis (D-IL) have filed the Providing Relief and Stability for Medicare Patients Act. This important legislation will ensure patients continue to have access to office-based specialty care providers who incorporate the use of high-tech medical equipment for in-office procedures, such as interventional radiology, vascular surgery, radiation oncology, veno
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The co-chairs of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus, U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) sent a letter today to the head of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) urging the agency to revise its current coverage criteria for Continuous Glucose Monitors. The goals is for more Veterans with diabetes to have access to the promising new technology that is helping millions of people across the country better manage the disease.
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 along with Representatives Tom Cole (R-OK), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), and Debbie Dingell (D-MI), as well as Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Jerry Moran (R-KS).
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Brad Schneider (IL-10), along with Senators Tim Scott (SC) and Maggie Hassan (NH) introduced the Repair Abuses of MSP Payments (RAMP) Act to help end abuses in the Medicare system that create unfair, unnecessary, and costly financial claims.
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Roger Wicker (R-MS) and U.S.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Diana DeGette (D-CO), co-chairs of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus, introduced legislation to continue funding a key federal diabetes research program that’s currently set to expire at the end of September. The duo’s legislation would reauthorize funding for the Special Diabetes Program for Type 1 Diabetes for an additional five years so scientists can continue their ongoing efforts to find new ways to treat, prevent and ultimately cure the disease.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL.) and Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) along with U.S.
Today, U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis, Richard Hudson, and Scott Peters of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Bill Pascrell of the Ways and Means Committee, introduced the Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act (SALSA).
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Reps. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) officially launched the bipartisan Domestic Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Caucus for the 118th Congress.
WASHINGTON, DC — Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12), August Pfluger (R-Texas-11), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), Ken Buck (R-Colo.-04), and Chris Pappas (D-N.H.-01) have introduced the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation with U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H) to crack down on and schedule the highly dangerous sedative causing fatal overdoses nationwide.
Washington, DC: Representative Gus Bilirakis has re-introduced the Commission on Sustaining Medicare and Social Security Act. This critical legislation would create a non-partisan Commission of experts to identify potential solutions that would ensure the long-term financial sustainability of both Medicare and Social Security. The Commission would make policy recommendations to Congress.
Washington, D.C.- Earlier today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Paul Tonko reintroduced the Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act.
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) are proud to announce the formation of the Congressional Caucus for Longevity Science. The “Longevity Science Caucus” aims to educate Members about the growing field of aging and longevity biotechnology, and promote initiatives aimed at increasing the healthy average lifespan of all Americans.
Washington, D.C. — Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) reintroduced the State Accountability, Flexibility, and Equity (SAFE) Hospitals Act, which would overhaul the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) program to create equity for all states.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) andTony Cárdenas (CA-29) alongside U.S.
U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis issued the following statement in advance of President Biden’s scheduled visit to Tampa, Florida today:
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) provided the following statement in response to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address:
Washington, D.C.: As the final days of the 117thCongress drew to a close, U.S. Congressman kept his foot on the gas, ensuring that many of his important legislative priorities made it across the finish line. In total, eight more provisions co-authored by Bilirakis to improve healthcare and expand benefits for Veterans were signed into law. These measures are outlined below:
Mariposa Port of Entry, Arizona: U.S.
New Port Richey: The office of Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Pasco-Hernando State College, and the West Pasco Dental Association are once again partnering to provide free dental services to Veterans in need at this year’s Stars, Stripes, and Smiles event, which will take place at Pasco Hernando State College on November 4th.
Congressman Gus Bilirakis, a Member of the Health Subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives and a proud Florida Gator, is headed to the University of Florida tomorrow to speak with Florida pharmacists and pharmacy students about the challenges they face, particularly in rural areas, as they work to meet the needs of patients.
Port Richey, FL: Congressman Gus Bilirakis met tonight with a group of concerned educators and parents in Pasco County to discuss the nation's unprecedented mental health crisis among children and teens. There has been a disturbing spike in rates of depression, self-harm, and suicide attempts and death among teens. New researchshows that 46% of all U.S.
New Port Richey, FL: Earlier today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis met with several local teens who serve as leaders of the organization STAND in Pasco County. The lawmaker, who is working on legislation to hold Big Tech accountable for improving safety of youth on its social platforms, solicited input about the teens' experiences with cyberbullying, social media, and the impact that use has had on their mental health and the mental health of their peers.
New Port Richey, Florida: Congressman Gus Bilirakis recently met with Ms. Georgie Alfano, founder of Female Veterans Unite, a local organization dedicated to meeting the needs of female Veterans throughout the Tampa Bay area. Topics of the discussion included: Veteran Suicide rates among women, gaps in services for female Veterans, and the steps that can be taken to make women Veterans feel more comfortable obtaining care through the VA.
Land O' Lakes, FL: Earlier today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis met with Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco and his senior leadership team to discuss the challenges local law enforcement faces when working to investigate cybercrimes, especially those involving children. After months of participating in Congressional hearings with executives from the Big Tech industry, it is clear that social media companies have failed to meet their obligation to protect youngest users.
Land O' Lakes, FL: Earlier today, U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis participated in a Ride Along with a Pasco County Sheriff's Office Captain. During the visit, the lawmaker got a first-hand view of the unique challenges law enforcement officers face as they work to ensure public safety. One of the main topics of discussion was the rise in overdose deaths happening throughout the state of Florida and within Pasco County. Since 2019, Pasco County has seen a 71% increase in the number of confirmed overdose deaths.
New Port Richey, FL: After meeting with a constituent from Zephyrhills this week whose son is facing imminent discharge from the United States Coast Guard due solely to his non-compliance with the Biden Administration's COVID-19 vaccine mandate, Congressman Gus Bilirakis is renewing his objection to this example of unconstitutional government overreach which could jeopardize the nation's military readiness. Bilirakis is also once again asking Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Lloyd J.
New Port Richey, Florida: Earlier today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis met local constituents who suffer with Parkinson's Disease. The patients explained the serious hardships patients and caregivers face when trying to receive an accurate diagnosis, find treatment options, and seek long-term support as they grapple with this debilitating disease. Unfortunately, as the 2nd most common and fastest-growing neurological disease globally, at least 60,000 new cases of Parkinson's are diagnosed every year.
Washington, D.C. – Earlier today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Paul Tonko (D-NY) introduced the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act. This critical legislation will, for the first time, unite the federal government in a mission to cure and prevent Parkinson's, alleviate financial and health burdens on American families, and reduce government spending over time. Unfortunately, as the 2nd most common and fastest-growing neurological disease globally, at least 60,000 new cases of Parkinson's are diagnosed every year.
Lutz, Florida: This week, Congressman Gus Bilirakis met with local medical professionals who work with Alzheimer's patients throughout Tampa Bay and other senior advocates. They explained the serious hardships patients and caregivers face when trying to receive an accurate diagnosis, find treatment options, and seek long-term support as they grapple with this debilitating disease. In 2020, there were 580,000 Floridians aged 65 and older who had an Alzheimer's diagnosis. That figure is expected to grow by 24.1% before 2025.
Springhill, FL - As part of his commitment to ensure better, healthier and longer lives for all Americans, Congressman Bilirakis recetly met with a group of healthcare providers and senior healthcare advocates from Pasco and Hernando counties. The group discussed the importance of preserving quality, affordable healthcare options for seniors, including Medicare Advantage (MA). Bilirakis, who has proven to be a staunch supporter of MA, pledged his desire to enhance the the program.
Wesley Chapel, FL: In 2021, more than 30 Tampa Bay residents died from an opioid overdose. That is double the number who died in the same region in 2019. "Addiction has ravaged our community for many years. This epidemic and its consequences have touched every community, every demographic, and every single one of us in some way," said U.S.
New Port Richey, FL: Earlier today Congressman Gus Bilirakis joined Gail Ryder, Vice President of BayCare Behavioral Health, to learn more about two critical youth mental health programs in Pasco County. The Statewide Inpatient Psychiatric Program, which Congressman Bilirakis visited today, serves children from ages 11- 18 who need an intensive setting for mental health treatment.
The Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0, which is coauthored by Representatives Gus Bilirakis, Jennifer Wexton, Peter Welch and Tom Cole passed the U.S. House of Representatives last night. This vital legislation will reauthorize the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program (Kids First) and Data Resource Center for the next five years.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT), and Ken Calvert (R-CA) sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inquiring about steps the agency is taking to approve groundbreaking new therapies for ALS and other deadly diseases and urging the agency to take a rapid approach to approving new life-saving treatments.
Washington, DC: Congressman Gus Bilirakis, an unwavering pro-life lawmaker, applauded today's historic decision by the United States Supreme Court to overturn Roe vs. Wade. Since the 1973 decision, more than 60 million unborn children have lost their lives to abortion. During that time, medical advances have also made remarkable strides and offer new insight into the stages of human development. For example, as early as five weeks, unborn babies have a heartbeat.
Washington, DC: Three more Bilirakis-authored measures passed the House last night as part of the Food and Drug Amendments of 2022. This comprehensive legislative package now heads to the Senate for final approval. Each provision aims to provide much needed support for children and patients suffering with a rare disease.
https://floridianpress.com/?p=33529 by Congressman Gus Bilirakis
Dear Editor,
Washington, DC- Congressman Gus Bilirakis and a group of his concerned colleagues sent a letter to President Biden and FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, demanding action and answers about the steps the Administration will take to solve the national shortage of baby formula. After months of a growing unaddressed problem, the formula shortage has reached crisis levels in recent weeks. The share of baby formula "out of stock across the U.S.
Washington, DC: During today's Health Subcommittee markup, three Bilirakis-authored measures were passed. This legislation now heads to the full Energy and Commerce Committee for further consideration. Each bill aims to provide much needed support for sick children or those patients suffering with a rare disease.
Washington, D.C.—Today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) introduced bipartisan legislation to help further development of pediatric medical devices by reauthorizing the Pediatric Device Consortia (PDC) grant program and allowing profits for certain Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) devices.
Washington, DC- The unprecedented leak of a draft ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is a reprehensible and deliberate attempt to undermine the credibility of the judiciary and to apply political pressure on Supreme Court Justices. As Chief Justice Roberts indicated earlier today, a full investigation will be conducted and the responsible party must be held accountable for this egregious violation of confidentiality. As the Court finalizes its decision in the landmark case of Dobbs v.
Washington, DC: In this week's Health Subcommittee hearing, Congressman Gus Bilirakis grilled Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra on a variety of pressing public health concerns, including his agency's failure to uphold the existing federal partial birth abortion ban. When Secretary Becerra testified before the same subcommittee in 2021, Bilirakis asked him about the ban. In response, Secretary Becerra falsely claimed that there was no law dealing specifically with the term partial-birth abortion.
Washington, DC: Earlier today Representatives Gus Bilirakis and G.K. Butterfield introduced the New Era for Preventing End-Stage Kidney Disease Act. This important legislation will help transform the delivery of care to rare kidney disease patients by increasing community and healthcare provider awareness and education. Each year, Medicare spends more than $84 billion providing critical care to patients with chronic kidney disease, including $36 billion on patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).
Washington, DC: Earlier today, two important bills authored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis, the Data Mapping to Save Moms' Lives Act and the Spectrum Coordination Act, passed favorably out of the U.S. House of Representatives. So far this term, eight Bilirakis-authored bills have been signed into law, with eight more (including the two today) passing out of the House and currently awaiting final action in the Senate.
Washington, DC: Representative Gus Bilirakis and approximately 100 of his colleagues sent a stern letter to President Biden condemning his Administration's recent decision to extend the national mask mandate on public transportation for another thirty days. Bilirakis, who has been vocally opposed to the growing overreach of the federal government, has urged the President to follow the science and stop issuing contradictory public health guidance.
Washington, D.C. During today's House Health Subcommittee Legislative Hearing, Members examined the Speeding Therapy Access Today (STAT) Act of 2021 authored by Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and G. K. Butterfield (D- NC). This bipartisan, bicameral legislation was developed with the input of the rare disease community, and is aimed at improving the development of and access to therapies for the rare disease community.
Washington, D.C. Earlier today, President Biden signed the bipartisan Suicide and Threat Assessment Nationally Dedicated to Universal Prevention (STANDUP) Act authored by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52) into law. This critical bill is the sixth Bilirakis-bill to become law this term. It encourages schools to implement evidence-based suicide prevention training for students in grades 6 through 12.
Washington, DC: Earlier today Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Kat Cammack filed the Stopping Mandates And Limiting Large Government Overreach by Valuing Truth (SMALL GOVT) Act to help protect Americans' medical freedom. The SMALL GOVT Act prohibits any entity from receiving federal funding if it discriminates on the basis of COVID vaccination status; whether vaccinated, unvaccinated, or having obtained natural immunity.
Washington, DC: Earlier today, Representative Gus Bilirakis introduced the Commission on Sustaining Medicare and Social Security Act. This critical legislation would create a non-partisan Commission of experts to identify potential solutions that would ensure the long-term financial sustainability of both Medicare and Social Security. The Commission would make policy recommendations to Congress.
WASHINGTON, D.C. –The bipartisan Suicide and Threat Assessment Nationally Dedicated to Universal Prevention (STANDUP) Act authored by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Rep.
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) reintroduced the Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act. This legislation would help vision-impaired Medicare beneficiaries live safe and independent lives by creating a five-year national demonstration project to evaluate the economic impact of allowing reimbursement for low vision devices, which are currently excluded from Medicare coverage.
Washington, DC: Congressman Gus Bilirakis and a group of his Congressional colleagues sent a letter to Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Lloyd J. Austin, asking his agency to delay involuntary discharges from the military until the agency fully complies with a provision in the recently passed National Defense Appropriation Act which requires the DOD to establish uniform procedures under which members of the military can be exempted from the COVID vaccine mandate.
Washington, DC: As Co-Chairman of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus, Congressman Gus Bilirakis has proven himself a consistent, strong ally for helping this critical industry rebound from the significant economic toll it endured throughout the pandemic. In his latest efforts, Bilirakis and colleagues wrote to Jeffrey Zients, the White House COVID Coordinator urging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to revise its Travel Advisory for cruise ships.
Washington, DC: Congressman Gus Bilirakis and other Members of the Florida congressional delegation are questioning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) sudden decision to revoke the emergency use authorizations for two monoclonal antibody drugs. This decision cut off these treatment options for thousands of Floridians in need and forced all of the state's monoclonal antibody treatment sites to close.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis and Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to the executives of Meta Platforms, Inc., WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Snap Inc., and TikTok requesting information about each platform's actions to stop the raging opioid crisis, which took the lives of more than 75,000 Americans over the last year.
Washington, D.C. — Earlier today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Neal Dunn (R-FL) teamed with Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL), along with other Republican members of the Florida congressional delegation to urge U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra to reverse its burdensome allocation for monoclonal antibody drugs (mAbs) and return to a state-based model in which states and local healthcare providers can directly order mAbs from drug manufacturers.
Congressman Gus Bilirakis held a roundtable discussion this week with local emergency room physicians, behavioral health clinicians, health department officials, law enforcement and other community leaders to learn more about how fentanyl is impacting the Tampa Bay area and identify ways Congress can provide more effective assistance. According to the CDC, 100,000 Americans have died from fentanyl-related overdoses in the past year. Pasco and Pinellas counties report approximately 800 fentanyl deaths in 2021 alone.
Washington, DC: Saddened by the overdose epidemic that is worsening throughout the nation, Congressman Bilirakis took to the House Floor late last night to spur much needed Congressional action as deaths involving synthetic opioids continue to skyrocket.
Washington, DC: Continuing his strong record of legislative achievement, four more bills co-authored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis have passed out of the U.S. House of Representatives. Since the beginning of the year, three Bilirakis-authored bills have been signed into law, and nine more have passed out of the House Chamber (including these four). A summary of the newest Bilirakis bills to pass the House are included below.
Washington, DC: Earlier today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis spoke on the House Floor about the need to defend life. His speech was delivered on the same day the United States Supreme Court heard opening arguments in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. This Supreme Court case, which reflects the most significant legal challenge on the issue of abortion since Roe vs. Wade, has the ability to set new precedent with regard to individual states' abilities to protect unborn children.
WASHINGTON – Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-R) and Lauren Underwood(IL-D)'s bipartisan legislation to improve maternal health care for Veterans passed the House today, after already clearing the Senate last month with bipartisan support. The Senate version of the legislation is led by Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME).
Washington, DC: Earlier today, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) confirmed that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) does not have legal authority to permanently extend enhanced Medicaid funding in Puerto Rico, as the Biden Administration has recently asserted.
Today, the Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act by Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) andTony Cárdenas (D-CA-29) was voted favorably out of the Health Subcommittee. This bill directs the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to develop an oral health literacy strategy to reach underserved communities.
Washington, DC: Earlier today, two bills authored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis were passed favorably out of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee. The Data Mapping to Save Moms' Lives Act will use data mapping to identify areas of the country where poor maternal health rates overlap with a lack of broadband access in order to deploy telehealth services most effectively. The United States is one of the only countries in the developed world with a rising maternal mortality rate.
Washington, DC: In response to President Biden's most recent egregious example of government overreach, Representative Gus Bilirakis has co-sponsored H.R. 5471, the Health Freedom for All Act. This critical legislation would prevent the Biden Administration from enacting its planned vaccine mandate on the American people.
Press Release: October 11, 2021
Contact: Summer Blevins (727) 232-2921
WASHINGTON – Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-R) and Lauren Underwood(IL-D)'s bipartisan legislation to improve maternal health care for veterans passed the Senate on October 7th with bipartisan support. The Senate version of the legislation is led by Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME).
Washington: D.C. – Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and G.K. Butterfield (D-NC) will be participating in a virtual press conference with the SHEPHERD Foundation to unveil the Cancer Patient Equity Act (H.R. 5377). The Act will allow for industry-wide change and will generate life-altering impacts for those grappling with a rare cancer diagnosis.
Washington, D.C.: In today's House Energy & Commerce Committee Mark-Up hearing, Representative Gus Bilirakis offered a measure to better protect the mental health of children and hold BigTech companies who jeopardize children's well-being for profit accountable for their egregious behavior. An excerpt of Bilirakis's testimony during the hearing is included below:
Cárdenas, Bilirakis Reintroduce Bipartisan Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act
Four Bilirakis Bills to Protect Vulnerable Populations Move One Step Closer to Passage
Bilirakis Fights to Ensure Cancer Patients Have Equivalent Access to Oral Chemotherapy
Bilirakis Blunt Rochester Bill to Help Children Examined in Congressional Hearing
Bilirakis, Soto and Kennedy Reintroduce Bill to Improve Access to Mental Health Treatment
Bilirakis and DelBene Bill Promises Seniors Access to Breakthrough Medical Products
Reps. Bilirakis and Sewell Introduce Legislation to Ensure Timely Access to Treatment for Patients with Cancer
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Terri Sewell (AL-07) introduced H.R. 3258, the Timely Access to Cancer Treatment (TACT) Act of 2021. This legislation would require that patients with cancer be provided their oral cancer drugs within an acceptable time frame.
Bilirakis Leads New Letter in Support of Medicare Advantage
-Medicare Advantage Serves 50% of Seniors in FL-12-
WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12), Val Demings (D-FL-10), Mike Gallagher (R-WI-08), and Marc Veasey (D-TX-33) today led 70 bipartisan Members of Congress on a new letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra advocating strong support for the Medicare Advantage Program.
Bilirakis and Peters Score a Legislative Win to Prevent Student Suicide
-The STANDUP Act provides students and schools with evidence-based suicide and threat assessment training and the Emergency Room Department -
Bilirakis and DeLauro Mark Mental Health Awareness Month with Bipartisan Effort to Protect Children
Bilirakis Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Telehealth Services for Seniors During COVID-19 Pandemic
Bilirakis, Butterfield, Klobuchar and Wicker Team-Up to Boost Development of Cures for Rare Diseases
Bilirakis and Tonko Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Patient Access to Physical Therapy
Bilirakis Highlights Mental Health Needs of Children On Teen Mental Health Wellness Day
-Calls for Nationwide Reopening of Schools and Passage of Critical Legislation to Provide Intervention and Support-
Bilirakis, Soto, Murkowski and King Re-Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Help Curb Suicides
Washington, D.C. - Today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis, Ashley Hinson, and Elise Stefanik co-led a bill in opposition to any plans by the United States Department of Defense to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to prisoners held at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (GITMO) and detained during operations conducted during the Global War on Terrorism until all Americans have had the opportunity to be vaccinated; and assert that efforts by the United States Government to provide vaccinations for COVID-19 should prioritize United States citizens.
MEDIA CONTACT: Summer Blevins
727-232-2921
Reps. Bilirakis & Peters Re-introduce Student Suicide Prevention Bill as Cases of Youth Suicide Surge
The STANDUP Act provides students and schools with evidence-based suicide and threat assessment training
Washington, DC -- Representatives Gus Bilirakis, Jennifer Wexton, Peter Welch and Tom Cole have just introduced the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0. The legislation would provide a new source of funding for the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program (Kids First) by redirecting penalties collected from pharmaceutical, cosmetic, supplement, and medical device companies that break the law.
Contact
Summer Blevins: 727-232-2921
Bipartisan Bilirakis Bill to Help Kids with Cancer Passes House
Contact
Summer Blevins 727-232-2921
Bipartisan Bilirakis Bill to Prevent Suicide and Bullying in Youth Passes
Contact: Summer Blevins
727-232-2921
Bilirakis Discusses COVID-19 and Other Healthcare Priorities with Top Federal and State Leaders
PRESS RELEASE: July 29, 2020
CONTACT: Summer Blevins 727-232-2921
Two Bilirakis Bills Considered During Health Hearing
Today, the Health Subcommittee reviewed a variety of bills designed to help prevent suicide and improve access to mental health treatment. Congressman Gus Bilirakis, a long-standing champion of mental health reform, is the co-author of three of these bipartisan measures. The Effective Suicide Screening in the Emergency Department Act helps to create protocols for identifying, assessing and treating individuals in the E.R. who may be at risk for suicide. The second Bilirakis bill, the STANDUP Act, encourages schools to expand evidence-based suicide prevention training in schools.
Letter to National Institute of Health's Dr. Collins re oversight.
PRESS RELEASE: January 3, 2020
CONTACT: Summer Robertson 727-232-2921
Bilirakis Bill to Ensure Patients in Need of Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Have Access to Lifesaving Treatment is Signed Into Law
New Port Richey, FL – U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) announced today he will be joining the Alzheimer's Association to host an Alzheimer's Summit for patients, family members, caregivers, medical professionals, and more in New Port Richey, Florida. The event will provide resources for better understanding Alzheimer's and will include a presentation on current research on the disease.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Senator Marco Rubio (FL) announced today they are leading efforts to help ensure Florida's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) continues providing quality, affordable insurance to children across the state. Bilirakis and Rubio sent a letter to U.S. Health & Human Services Secretary Tom Price urging him to take action on much-needed regulatory changes to allow the program to better serve Florida children and their families.
The 21st Century Cures Act has been three years in the making, and on December 13, 2016, it was finally signed into law. Over the years, Rep. Bilirakis has met with local patients, doctors, and advocates from Florida to discuss how to get new treatments and cures to market faster. Proudly, much of their input is reflected in the final law.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, applauded the committee's passage of legislation today to reform the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and promote important public health priorities. Among the bills advanced today are Bilirakis' Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act (H.R. 1222) and the FDA Reauthorization Act (H.R.