Press Releases
The Protecting Veterans Pensions Act would address a common scam in which unethical financial advisors and firms prey on elderly and disabled veterans by promising to help them qualify for VA pension benefits if they divert their assets into trusts or annuities. While the firms profit from those trusts or annuities, they are often poor investments for seniors, leaving veterans without access to adequate financial resources. These firms further profit by charging veterans exorbitant fees and selling them additional, costly services.
"It has been nearly a decade since the last authorization was enacted, which has eroded Congress's oversight and foreign policy leverage. Congress has a commitment to fiscal responsibility and this legislation will allow for reforms that will make the federal government and its foreign relations operations more efficient and effective."
The authorization bill is $2 billion below current-year spending levels, and $2.8 billion less than the Administration's FY 2013 request.
"I have worked to condemn violations of religious freedom throughout the world," Bilirakis said. "Unfortunately, this tragedy continues to persist, and this event will provide an opportunity to learn from national experts about the challenges religious minorities face all around the globe."
The event will highlight the challenges religious minorities face throughout the Middle East, with representatives from communities such as the Coptic Christians of Egypt, Baha'i of Iran, and Assyrians and Yezidis of Iraq.
"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."