Press Releases

The forum will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2012, at the St. Mary & St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Church, 2930 County Road 193, in Clearwater.

"This event is a rare opportunity for Coptic Christians, and for all those in the Tampa Bay area who are interested in promoting religious freedom, to learn from national experts about the challenges religious minorities face throughout the world," said Bilirakis, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Middle East and South Asia Subcommittee as well as International Religious Freedom Caucus.

The Chamber's prestigious award is given annually to members of Congress based on key votes that will reduce burdensome regulations, create jobs and improve the economy, such as repealing onerous 1099 reporting requirements, repealing a 3 percent withholding from contractors, and passing free trade agreements.

The free fair will provide educational materials, health screenings, and information on home health care and senior living options.

"I want to make sure Tampa Bay residents are able to access the services and information that will keep them healthy," Bilirakis said. "This fair will serve as a one-stop shop for citizens to receive a variety of check-ups and assistance."

For more information, residents should contact Bilirakis' Palm Harbor office at (727) 773-2871.

WHO: Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Florida Hospital North Pinellas

At the ceremony, Bilirakis will speak and present a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol.

"This memorial is about remembering those who died and sacrificed their lives in a courageous attempt to save others," Bilirakis said. "We will never forget their bravery and dedication to our country."

The Palm Harbor Fire Department received a piece of a steel beam from the World Trade Center over one year ago, and the memorial design will consist of two 10-foot-tall granite towers, the beam, and an eternal flame.

H.R. 3563 would improve public alerts and warnings during an emergency and modernize the Integrated Public Alerts and Warning System (IPAWS).

"The public alert and warning systems have not been modernized in decades and we must ensure that alerts and warnings work reliably, effectively, and efficiently so that we can make information available to the largest number of people possible, while also protecting and ensuring individual privacy," Bilirakis said.

Watch the markup here:

In late 2011, Bilirakis led a successful effort to include conditions on aid to Egypt within the annual appropriations bill.

"Our country continues to face economic and fiscal uncertainty, and it is unacceptable to provide unconditioned taxpayer dollars and military aid to a country that disregards the basic principles of human rights and religious freedom," Bilirakis said. "These conditions should remain in place until the government can demonstrate its respect for the human rights of minority religious communities and security for their worship."

"When service members transition back to civilian life and look to use their hard-earned GI benefits, they deserve to be armed with the best and most complete information to help them decide what institutions will best meet their needs," said Bilirakis, who is Vice Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee. "We must make sure they have access to these resources and advice so that the use of their benefit will reflect the most affordable and effective education that will help them find meaningful work."

Bilirakis is pleased to announce that he is hosting a College Fair from 10 a.m. – noon on Saturday, March 17th, at Palm Harbor University High School, 1900 Omaha Street, in Palm Harbor.

"Simply navigating the maze of the admissions and student financial aid process can make an already anxious situation even more complicated," Bilirakis said. "I understand how stressful this time can be, but examining your options early on can ensure that your child receives the quality education they deserve."