Two More Bilirakis Bills Become Law

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. The second measure, the US-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act, will strengthen the defense partnership between the United States and Greece, including support for Greek military modernization and multilateral security efforts between Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and the United States.

"I know my constituents expect me to get results. I'll continue working across the aisle to pass measures that will benefit my constituents, our community, and country," said Congressman Gus Bilirakis.

Since the beginning of 2021, five Bilirakis-authored bills have been signed into law. The three other Bilirakis-authored bills signed into law are listed below.

• The TRANSPLANT Act -reauthorizes the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory. It will help tens of thousands of Americans of all ages who suffer with diseases like blood cancer, sickle cell anemia, inherited metabolic or immune system disorders and 70 otherwise fatal blood disorders.
• The Protecting Moms Who Served Act – improves maternal health care for Veterans
• The FAIR Crash Tests Act - improves the federal government's vehicle safety testing practices, specifically those involving the use of crash test dummies.

Additionally, the following seven Bilirakis bills passed the House earlier this year and await final action in the Senate.

• The Emergency Reporting Act which will improve the resiliency of communications networks during emergencies.
• The Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act which standardized the suicide screening tool used in emergency rooms.
• The STAND-UP Act which promotes the use of evidence based practices to identify students who may be at-risk for mental health issues and link them to community resources.
• The CARING for Social Determinants Act of 2021 which will require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide guidance to states to address social determinants of health under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Prevention, education and improving access are essential components of effective public health programs. This isn't just a pragmatic approach, it is the right thing to do as we work to ensure all children have the best possible start in life.
• The American Cybersecurity Literacy Act which will require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to establish a cybersecurity literacy campaign to increase knowledge and awareness of cybersecurity risks among the American public, including best practices for preventing cyberattacks. This is a matter of national security and we must do everything we can to protect all Americans from those who wish to do us harm.
• The Opioid Prescription Verification Act of 2021 will strengthen electronic prescribing and verification practices at pharmacies and build off of work that Bilirakis did in the SUPPORT Act to improve the use of electronic Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs across the health care system. Thispractical step puts additional safeguards in place in order to reverse that troubling trend, curb opioid abuse, and save lives.
• The Oral Health Literacy and AwarenessAct directs the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to develop an oral health literacy strategy to reach underserved communities. This bipartisan bill aims to curb the rise in oral disease and related illnesses by providing prevention education through a five-year oral health literacy campaign.

In March of 2021, Congressman Bilirakis was named the 12th Most Effective Republican Legislator in Congress based upon his record of legislative achievements.