Press Releases
The first amendment would allow disabled veterans with a service-connected permanent disability rated as total to utilize Space-Available travel on Department of Defense (DOD) aircraft at no-cost. The Space-Available program is a DOD program, which allows active duty service members, their families, retirees and certain others to fill empty seats on DOD flights. While active duty members and their families will remain the primary beneficiaries of this program, Congressman Bilirakis' amendment will allow these veterans this same benefit.
"As Vice-Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and Co-Chairman of the Military Veterans Caucus, I am working to ensure our veterans receive the benefits, care and opportunity they've earned," said Bilirakis. "I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this legislation that will better protect our nation's heroes from scams and those who try to take advantage of or mislead them."
The bipartisan bill addresses a common scam called "pension poaching," in which:
"The IRS' admission that it unfairly targeted conservative groups is a direct and obvious assault on our Constitution. No branch of government should be used to harass and judge the American people, and Americans cannot, and will not, accept judgment based upon their beliefs. I have a long history of supporting the freedoms and liberties outlined in our Constitution, and I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure these freedoms and liberties are not tossed aside.
"Tourism is a chief economic driver for Florida, bolstering job creation across the state," said Bilirakis. "From our amusement and theme parks to our white, sandy beaches, Florida has something for everyone. VISIT FLORIDA was able to share Florida's success story as a leader in tourism, as well as provide insight into how Congress can better support this vibrant industry."
"Tourism is a chief economic driver for Florida, bolstering job creation across the state," said Bilirakis. "From our amusement and theme parks to our white, sandy beaches, Florida has something for everyone. VISIT FLORIDA was able to share Florida's success story as a leader in tourism, as well as provide insight into how Congress can better support this vibrant industry."
"One of the challenges our service members face is how to match their professional military skills and technical training with civilian jobs," said Congressman Bilirakis. "As our veterans make the transition from the battlefield to civilian life, we must continue to make them a top priority and ensuring they are able to compete in today's technologically evolving economy is paramount."
Congressman Bilirakis: "I once again join my colleagues in the House in calling for the immediate reopening of the Theological School at Halki without preconditions. The Ecumenical Patriarch, as the leader of nearly 300 million Orthodox Christians, has a record of reaching out and working for peace and reconciliation among all faiths and has fostered dialogue among Christians, Jews and Muslims. All we are asking is that Turkey be required to abide by its constitution, which secures religious rights for all of its citizens and institutions."
Congressman Bilirakis: "The United States must remain committed to the reunification of Cyprus and should not allow others to use the current economic situation to force a settlement. For almost 40 years, Turkey has illegally occupied the northern region of this country, displacing residents and hindering the Republic of Cyprus' ability to effectively govern. While a reunified Cyprus would undoubtedly contribute to the economic stability of the Eastern Mediterranean, it is imperative that the proper groundwork be laid before negotiations begin again."