Press Releases
"Service members looking to use their hard-earned GI benefits deserve to be armed with the best and most complete information to help them decide what institutions will best meet their needs," Bilirakis said. "Veterans returning to the civilian workforce are struggling to find meaningful work, and this legislation is a way in which we can help them receive the most affordable and effective education to advance in their future career."
"While I am encouraged by the latest push to re-open the Halki seminary, we must continue to put pressure on Turkey to abide by its constitution, which ensures religious rights for all citizens and institutions. The Halki seminary had been the premier location for training Eastern Orthodox clergy for nearly 150 years, and the worldwide Orthodox Christian community deserves to have this fundamental right restored immediately."
The legislation comes after it was discovered that Pvt. Lawrence Davis Jr., a World War II veteran with no next of kin, was buried in a cardboard box at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla.
"America's veterans deserve to be laid to rest the same way they served this nation: With dignity and honor," Bilirakis said. "This legislation recognizes their service and ensures that veterans who do not have immediate family are not forgotten and receive proper respect upon their passing."
"Like many Americans, I am extremely disappointed in the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the President's health care law, which is bad news for patients, doctors, and our nation's economy. The law's big-government approach to health care does not actually solve our health care problems, will cost trillions of taxpayer dollars without reducing the cost of health care, and adds uncertainty to a struggling economy.
"Operation Fast & Furious" was a flawed and deadly program. We must get to the bottom of it and those responsible must be held accountable. The American people and Congress have lost faith in the ability of Attorney General Holder's ability to properly uphold the law and the interests of the United States," Bilirakis said. "That is why I have been calling for his resignation since last December, and is why I voted today to charge him with contempt."
This is an opportunity for the community to meet with the Congressman's staff without an appointment and is intended to complement the availability of his district offices in Palm Harbor and Plant City.
Constituents are invited to bring any issues, concerns, or requests for assistance related to Congress and the federal government.
For more information, please contact Bilirakis' Palm Harbor office at (727) 773-2871 or visit www.bilirakis.house.gov.
WHAT: July Community Outreach in Hudson, Fla.
"I congratulate the citizens of Greece on a successful election during this pivotal time. My hopes and prayers go out to the citizens, their new government, and Prime Minister Antonis Samaras as they lay the groundwork for Greece's future."
On Wednesday, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it was reversing its rule and would allow the benefits to be applied toward classes taken at all two-year institutions that are VA approved.
"I am pleased to learn that the VA has changed its mind and is now expanding its program in a way that will help veterans rather than make the process more burdensome and bureaucratic," Bilirakis said. "As our nation's heroes transition from the battlefield to the workforce, programs such as VRAP will help bridge the gap and provide them with the tools they need to succeed."
"For more than two centuries, millions of men and women have honorably served this nation through the U.S. Army. Without these men and women, and without the Army, America would not exist as we know it today. These soldiers make it possible for all American citizens to enjoy the freedoms and liberties our forefathers envisioned when they founded this great country.
"Attorney General Holder continues to stonewall this investigation and it raises serious concerns about the kind of information he is working so defiantly to protect. Congress has given Attorney General Holder more than enough time to fully cooperate with its investigation into 'Fast & Furious,' and the public has the right to know what role this administration played in carrying out this deeply flawed gun running operation. I personally have lost all confidence and trust in Attorney General Holder and his ability to lead our Justice Department."