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Bilirakis Continues to Fight for All Americans’ Medical Freedom

August 17, 2022

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. Austin and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for their agencies to delay involuntary discharges from the military until it fully complies with the religious exemption provision that was passed as part of the current year's National Defense Act, which was signed into law. Bilirakis also implored the Secretaries to halt separations until an in-depth review of natural immunity is complete, citing ongoing concerns with military readiness in the face of aggression from adversarial countries such as Russia, China, and Iran.

"During this challenging time in which our country is facing multiple threats from hostile nations, we need to be strengthening, not eroding our military forces," said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. "Additionally, all Americans deserve the freedom to make their own personal choices about their healthcare decisions, including those who bravely serve in our nation's military. I will continue fighting on their behalf until this injustice is rectified."

Bilirakis has spearheaded several joint initiatives with his colleagues to defend every American's basic constitutional right to medical freedom. He and a group of his colleagues wrote a similar requestto Secretary Austin in February of 2022. Bilirakis also co-authored HR 6633 which directs the Secretary of the DOD to reinstate any members that have been involuntarily separated from the Armed Forces solely on the basis of the refusal of such member to receive a vaccination against COVID-19. In another measure, Congressman Bilirakis co-sponsored H.R. 5471, the Health Freedom for All Act. This bill would clarify that under existing law the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not have the authority to implement rules requiring Americans to undergo COVID-19 vaccinations or testing. The SMALL GOVT Act (HR 6914), authored by Congressman Bilirakis would prohibit discrimination against individuals on the basis of their COVID-19 vaccination status or natural immunity to the virus. It also sets out criteria for informed consent requirements for COVID-19 vaccines.

Issues:Health Care