Veterans

Today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) and Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to authorize funding for Student Veteran Success Centers at colleges and universities nationwide, helping student Veterans transition from military to academic life.

Springhill, FL:  Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) is hosting his annual Veterans Resource Fair for local Veterans and their families to learn more about the benefits and opportunities available to them in the community.

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.– In a significant step toward enhancing transparency and protecting patient rights within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Jack Bergman (MI-01) and Keith Self (TX-03) have introduced the Written Informed Consent Act.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25) have introduced the Waste and Illegal Property Eradication (WIPE) Act alongside Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). These bipartisan, bicameral bills that would improve, expand, and enhance protections for Veterans under the PACT Act in addition to eliminating burn pits to help prevent future toxic exposure cases.

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) re-introduced the Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act, which would help the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) recruit and retain the staff necessary to address the significant 200,000-case backlog it currently faces. This bill will be heard in the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee this Wednesday.

Washington, DC: –Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA) have reintroduced the Major Richard Star Act alongside Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).   This critical legislation will rectify an injustice that keeps combat disabled Veterans from receiving full military benefits. Currently, over 50,000 medically retired Veterans are forbidden from receiving their full retirement pay and disability compensation.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis co-sponsored legislation introduced by the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.), and Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), to increase access to care for Veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) providers in the community.  The Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025 establishes existing community care access standards as the baseline standard of

Washington, DC:  Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), who serves as Advisor to Speaker Mike Johnson on VA issues, has re-introduced H.R. 303, the Retired Pay Restoration Act.  This critical legislation will rectify the injustice of concurrent receipt for certain Veterans by allowing Veterans with at least 20 years of service to receive both military retired pay and VA disability compensation.

Washington, DC:  President Biden has signed the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21^st 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:  Congressman Bilirakis is leading the charge to advance his priority Veteran legislation before the end of this term.  The Major Richard Star Act, which is jointly authored by Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA), has garnered widespread bipartisan support, as evidenced by its 326 cosponsors in the House and 73 in the Senate.  This critical legislation would rectify the issue of concurrent receipt for over 50,000 medically retired combat Veterans.  The letter to House leadershi

WASHINGTON, DC:  Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12-R) and  Morgan McGarvey  (KY-3-D) introduced H.R.9046, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act, which would allow the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) to improve recruitment and retention of high performing employees to process Appeal claims in a timely and accurate manner.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA), along with Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) have introduced bicameral Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry 2.0 Act and the Burn Pit Elimination Act.  These bills will improve, expand, and enhance protections for Veterans under the PACT Act in addition to eliminating burn pits to prevent future toxic exposure cases.

Washington:  Earlier this week, the House passed a bill authored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis and co-sponsored by every Member of Florida’s Congressional Delegation.  It wouldrename the United States Post Office located at 207E.

Springhill, FL:  Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) is hosting his annual Veterans Resource Fair for local Veterans and their families to learn more about the benefits and opportunities available to them in the community.

Washington, DC:  As the newly appointed Advisor to the Speaker on VA Issues, U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis has the unique opportunity to discuss the ongoing needs of our nation’s heroes with House Speaker Mike Johnson on a quarterly basis.

Washington, D.C.

Washington, DC – Earlier this week, U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis joined Chairman Mike Bost as an original co-sponsor of the Veterans Appeals Options Expansion Act (HR 7793).  This bill would provide Veteran claimants with more choices to control how and when their claims on appeal are processed by the VA Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board).  

Washington, DC:  Earlier today Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) introduced the Preserving Access to Patient Reimbursement Act in the United States Senate.  This bipartisan bill is a companion to the House Bill introduced by Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Chris Pappas (D-NH) in the House earlier this year in response to an uptick in constituent complaints and casework from Veterans in his district who are experiencing difficulty getting travel reimbursements processed since the U.S.

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

U.S.

Washington:  Earlier today, House Speaker Mike Johnson appointed Representative Gus Bilirakis to serve as Veterans’ Advisor to the Speaker.  Bilirakis, who served for 14 years on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, including multiple years as Vice-Chairman and

Today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Lois Frankel (FL-22) introduced a resolution acknowledging the courage and sacrifice of Veterans of the Korean War and the Korean Defense Veterans.  The lawmakers issued this joint statement: 

WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12), co-chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus, has successfully convinced the Department of Veterans Affairs to begin covering Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) for Veterans who rely on insulin or have a problematic history of hypoglycemia.

Spring Hill-  Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) is hosting his annual Veterans Resource Fair for local Veterans and their families to learn more about the benefits and opportunities available to them in the community.  This free event will include information about Veterans claims services, healthcare, education benefits, alternative therapies, employment opportunities, housing programs, social services, and more.

Brooksville, FL – As part of his unwavering commitment to improving support for Veterans, Congressman Gus Bilirakis invited a Florida-based non-profit, The Fire Watch, to give a Veteran Suicide Intervention Training during the upcoming meeting of his Veterans Advisory Committee.  Florida has the third highest Veteran population in the country and according to The Fire Watch’s data, more than 530 veterans have taken their lives in Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties from 2010-2021.

Washington, DC – Earlier today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Chris Pappas (D-NH) filed the Preserving Access to Patient Reimbursement Act (PAPR Act),which will ensure all Veterans, throughout the nation, continue to be able to fully participate in the travel reimbursement program. 

New Port Richey, FL:  Congressman Gus Bilirakis and the Pasco County Dental Association are delighted to announce their annual Stars, Stripes, and Smiles event, which will take place November 3, 2023.

On August 29, 2023, Congressman Gus Bilirakis will host a town hall for Veterans and their families from Hernando, Citrus and Pasco counties. During this public forum, Bilirakis will be joined by senior leaders from the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital. Bilirakis, recently appointed to serve as Veterans Advisor to U.S.

Washington:  Earlier today, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy appointed Representative Gus Bilirakis to serve as Veterans’ Advisorto the Speaker.  Bilirakis, who served for more than fourteen years as the Vice-Chairman of t

Washington, DC:  In a huge victory for more than 50,000 medically retired Veterans throughout the country, Representative Gus Bilirakis’s Major Richard Star Act has been scheduled for this week’s House Armed Services mark-up hearing.  This critical legislation seeks to rectify an injustice that keeps combat disabled Veterans from receiving full military benefits.

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:  At the request of their constituents, Representatives Gus Bilirakis and John Garamendi proudly introduced bipartisan legislation today that will create a 100th anniversary commemorative coin for the Fleet Reserve Association. This legislation would direct the Department of Treasury to mint a coin to commemorate the centennial of the foundation and charter of the FRA in 1924, at no cost to American taxpayers.

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Mike Levin (CA-49) reintroduced the Veterans Early Treatment for Chronic Ailment Resurgence through Examinations (VET CARE) Act, to require the Veterans Administration (VA) to put in place a four-year pilot program providing dental care for Veterans with certain chronic health conditions. Right now, dental care through the VA is limited to those who are 100% disabled or have a direct service-connected injury.

Washington, DC:  On July 24, 2009, during his first tour of duty with the 10^th Mountain, 32nd Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army, SPC Justin Dean Coleman of Hernando County, Florida was killed in action while patrolling a residential area of Nuristan Province in Afghanistan.  He was only 21 years old.  Just like his father, grandfather, great grandfather and eight uncles, Coleman was called to serve in the U.S.

New Port Richey, FL:  Tomorrow, March 4, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., U.S.

Washington, DC: –Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA) have reintroduced the Major Richard Star Act.  This critical legislation will rectify an injustice that keeps combat disabled Veterans from receiving full military benefits.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) provided the following statement in response to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address:

Tampa, FL:  Earlier today Congressman Gus Bilirakis proudly cut the ribbon on the new James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital bed tower alongside Tampa Bay Veterans and other community leaders.  This important milestone comes after more than a decade of advocacy by Bilirakis to ensure his Veteran-constituents receive the highest quality health care available.

Washington, D.C.: As the final days of the 117^thCongress 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:

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.

https://floridianpress.com/2022/09/bilirakis-democrats-reckless-spending-to-blame-for-poor-economy/

By Rep. Gus Bilirakis

Dear Editor,

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.

Washington, DC: – Earlier today Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA) secured over 290 co-sponsors of the Major Richard Star Act, enabling the bill to be added to the Consensus Calendar. According to clause 7 of House Rule XIII, the Consensus Calendar provides an alternative route to the floor for certain unreported House bills and resolutions that enjoy broad bipartisan support.

Zephyrhills, FL: Earlier today, U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis spoke to the Greater Tampa Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH). Every member of this organization has been awarded the Purple Heart for combat-related injuries. On this national Purple Heart Day, Bilirakis recognized the service and sacrifice of these heroes and provided an update on the work he is doing locally to benefit our heroes, including: securing funding for a new bed tower at James A.

Washington, DC: Last night,the Senate passed long-overdue legislation to expand Veterans' benefits to those who have been exposed to toxins during their service to our nation. The PACT Act, which has already passed the House and is now headed to President Biden's desk to become law, includes several key provisions originally authored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis and inspired by local heroes who have lost their lives as a result of toxic exposure.

Washington, DC: Last night,the House passed long-overdue legislation to expand Veterans' benefits to those who have been exposed to toxins during their service to our nation. The PACT Act, which is expected to be passed quickly by the Senate and forwarded to President Biden's desk to become law, includes several key provisions originally authored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis and inspired by local heroes who have lost their lives as a result of toxic exposure.

New Port Richey, FL: Congressman Gus Bilirakis is hosting his 16th Annual Veterans Resource Fair. All local Veterans and their families are encouraged to attend to learn more about available resources in the community, including: healthcare, education, benefits, employment services, mental health treatments, housing, and other social services. The press is also welcome to attend.

Washington, DC— Representatives Steve Womack, Gus Bilirakis and a group of Republican colleagues have introduced of the Veterans First Act of 2022 to stop the White House from diverting resources for our Veterans to manage its self-inflicted southern border crisis.

Washington, DC- On March 31, 2022 Congressman Gus Bilirakis was contacted by a local WFLA reporter alerting him of concerns that the National Parks Service (NPS) had discontinued escorts for the U.S. Honor Flight program in Washington, DC. The Honor Flight Program is a wonderful initiative to honor our nation's heroes. Congressman Bilirakis has had the privilege of meeting many honor flight groups during their visit to the nation's Capital and each time has found it to be a very moving and memorable experience.

Washington, DC- On March 31, 2022 Congressman Gus Bilirakis was contacted by a local WFLA reporter alerting him of concerns that the National Parks Service (NPS) had discontinued escorts for the U.S. Honor Flight program in Washington, DC. The Honor Flight Program is a wonderful initiative to honor our nation's heroes. Congressman Bilirakis has had the privilege of meeting many honor flight groups during their visit to the nation's Capital and each time has found it to be a very moving and memorable experience.

Washington, DC: One of the most important functions of an effective Member of Congress is a willingness to help constituents cut through the red tape and navigate the bureaucracy of the federal government. Representative Gus Bilirakis has spent years earning a well-deserved reputation as a tireless advocate who consistently secures positive results through constituent casework.

Washington, DC:The President recently signed two provisions into law that were authored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). The first measure, the Reducing Exposure to Burn Pits Act, which Bilirakis co-authored with Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA) is part of the lawmakers' continued joint efforts to protect our nation's men and women in uniform.

New Port Richey, FL: Congressman Gus Bilirakis is excited to be participating in the U.S. House of Representatives Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program, and looks forward to hiring the newest member of his team. The successful candidate's primary responsibility will be working to identify and address unmet challenges within the Veteran community. To learn more about the job opportunity or to apply click here.

Washington, DC: At the request of their constituents, Representatives Gus Bilirakis and John Garamendi proudly introduced legislation today that will create a 100th anniversary commemorative coin for the Fleet Reserve Association. This bipartisan legislation would direct the Department of Treasury to mint a coin to commemorate the centennial of the foundation and charter of the FRA in 1924, all at no cost to American taxpayers.

Washington, D.C.— Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) have introduced the bipartisan Restore Veterans' Compensation Act. This legislation protects Veterans who receive disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from having to face the unfair and unwarranted recoupment of their separation pay.

Continuing his strong record of legislative achievement, two more bills co-authored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis have recently been signed into law. The Department of Defense (DOD) Burn Pits Health Provider Training Act implements mandatory training for all DOD medical providers on the potential health effects of burn pits. This legislative change will help ensure the early identification and treatment of health issues caused by burn pit exposure.

Washington, DC: Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) proudly cast a vote in favor of this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which is now headed back to the Senate and then to the President to become law.

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: As part of Veterans and Military Families Month Congressman, Gus Bilirakis is hosting his 15^th Annual Veterans Resource Fair on Saturday, November 13, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The event will take place on the Pasco Hernando State College Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.

Washington, D.C. : Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA) have a long and successful history of working together to prioritize the needs of our nation's heroes. In their latest collaboration, the bipartisan duo co-authored two provisions which passed the House of Representatives today as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Bilirakis and Blunt Rochester Introduce Bill to Improve Private Care for Veterans

Bilirakis to Hold Veterans' Townhall in New Port Richey with Senior VA officials

Bilirakis Receives National Award for His Advocacy on Behalf of Veterans

Washington, D.C.: Earlier today, Representative Gus Bilirakis received the Pinnacle Award from the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) for his continued advocacy on behalf of all Veterans. The FRA was founded in 1924, to represent the concerns of members of the enlisted Sea Service (Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard).

Bilirakis-led Bill to Help Veterans Passes the House

Bilirakis Bill to Help Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits Reviewed

Bilirakis Co-Authors Legislation to Deliver Benefits to Veterans with Children with Special Needs

-Bill corrects oversight in the Survivor Benefit Plan, allows for Special Needs Trust open enrollment-

Bilirakis Holds Virtual Job Fair for Veterans, Guard and Reserve Members and Military Spouses

Who: Congressman Gus Bilirakis is hosting a free virtual job fair for Veterans, Guard and Reserve Members and Military Spouses

When: March 30, 2021 thru April 1, 2021

Bilirakis and Ruiz Lead Bipartisan Push to Provide Disabled Veterans Full Military Benefits

-Bipartisan Major Richard Star Act would allow 42,000 combat-injured veterans to receive full disability compensation and retired pay-

Contact: Summer Blevins, 727-232-2921

Bilirakis Selected to Serve as Conferee, Continues to Champion Changes to Help Active Duty Military and Veterans

Washington, DC: Congressman Bilirakis is proud to announce passage of the Ryan Kules Specially Adaptive Housing Improvement Act, which will improve and expand the VA's Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant Program. This program currently provides grants to the nation's most severely disabled Veterans. Funds can be used to meet these Veterans' unique housing needs while assisting with buying, building, revising, and remodeling an adapted home that is barrier-free. To be eligible for this grant, Veterans typically have lost at least two limbs or are confined to a wheelchair.

Contact

Summer Robertson

727-232-2921

Bilirakis Champions Changes to Help Active Duty Military and Veterans

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Mike Levin (D-CA), Chair and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to expand and strengthen Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services for homeless veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT

Summer Robertson: 727-232-2921

Bilirakis and Ruiz Lead Legislative Push to Help Disabled Veterans

Contact: Summer Robertson 727-232-2921

Washington, DC: Congressman Bilirakis is proud to announce passage of his bill to extend eligibility for the Fry Scholarship to spouses and children of members of the National Guard and Reserve who died of service-connected causes but whose deaths did not occur when the member was on active duty. The Fry Scholarship provides Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to the children and surviving spouses of servicemembers who died in the line of duty while on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. Originally filed as H.R. 2221, this provision passed the U.S.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) reintroduced the Veterans Early Treatment for Chronic Ailment Resurgence through Examinations (VET CARE) Act, to require the Veterans Administration (VA) to put in place a four-year pilot program providing dental care for Veterans with certain chronic health conditions. Right now, dental care through the VA is limited to those who are 100% disabled or have a direct service connected injury.