Press Releases
"It is extremely troubling that the United States government would willfully allow weapons to be acquired by dangerous criminal and drug trafficking organizations," said Bilirakis, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee. "It is also very disturbing to find out that Attorney General Holder and the Obama Administration might have known about this program."
H.R. 2401, the Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation (TRAIN) Act, would help prevent burdensome regulations that leave businesses hanging on by a thread. The act would evaluate how various regulations proposed or implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would impact the economy.
"We must stand by Israel during this tumultuous time in the Middle East and insist on a resolution that allows Israel to exist in peace as a Jewish state. Any two-state solution must be one that requires Hamas to renounce violence, accept Israel's right to exist, and accept prior agreements made by the Palestinians.
After reports that gun walking programs may have existed throughout the country, and possibly in the Tampa area, Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-09) began questioning the involvement and intent of this flawed and dangerous program.
"As the Palestinian Authority is on the threshold of making a unilateral declaration of statehood before the UN, it is even more important that the United States reexamines its foreign assistance to the PA, particularly during these devastating economic times," Bilirakis said.
Bilirakis specifically addressed the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, whose stated goal since its inception in 1950 has been to essentially keep the Palestinian people in a refugee status. The U. S. has already wasted $4 billion in aid on this agency.
In August, the President bypassed Congress and announced the administration would only deport illegal aliens who pose a threat or are criminals, allowing thousands and perhaps millions of illegal residents to remain in the U.S.
"While we choose to honor the sacrifices and tragedy of September 11th with solemnity today, we also celebrate who we are as a Nation. We celebrate our republic. We celebrate liberty. America was targeted because we are the embodiment of freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep us from continuing to live that way.
"As evidenced by the credible but unconfirmed threat on this 9/11 anniversary, we must remain vigilant and aware of those who pose a threat against the United States. There is still more that can be done.
"Creating jobs is priority number one, and the best way to accomplish that is by improving our long-term economic growth. If we focus on policies that help the United States innovate, compete and allow businesses of all sizes to get off the sidelines, the jobs will come and our economy will again flourish. While I appreciate the President coming to Congress tonight, we need long-term solutions, not another round of short-term stimulus that has proven ineffective.
H.R. 1826 would reinstate the criminal penalties on any individual who charges veterans unauthorized fees for claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Though it is already a violation of the law to charge a veteran for filing a benefits claim before the VA, no federal punishment exists.
"I was saddened to learn of Chairman Bitner's passing today as this is a tremendous loss for all of Florida. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his friends and family members, especially his wife Wendy, and I wish them the best during this difficult time. Chairman Bitner and I served together in the state legislature, and I am privileged to have been able to get to know him and work with him. I will always remember him as an extraordinary colleague and even better friend, and hope that his sense of service continues to live on throughout the state of Florida."