Press Releases
"Many foreign students come here with noble intentions, and while not all terrorists have come to the U.S. under the guise of a student visa, many do," said Bilirakis, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee. "Terrorists have found a loop hole in our nation's security, and we must close that loop hole."
Watch Rep. Bilirakis discuss the one-year anniversary of the health care overhaul
One year ago today, President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law. Don't be fooled by the clever title.
"As the devastation continues in Japan, my thoughts and prayers continue to be with those affected by this terrible natural disaster.
"I commend Florida Governor Rick Scott's proactive call to review emergency preparedness plans at the state's nuclear plants and urge other state leaders to take the necessary steps to ensure that effective response plans are in place should we face a disaster at one of our nation's nuclear plants. We must continue to review the response measures we have in place, including the most efficient way to distribute aid during such an emergency."
"Terrorist organizations have become increasingly adept at using the Internet and social media to recruit, inspire, and motivate individuals already in the United States to carry out attacks on their behalf," Bilirakis said. "We must combat the use of the Internet and other technology by terrorist organizations to inspire and encourage attacks by those who are already here."
Bilirakis also questioned the witnesses about the most popular demographics that are being targeted for radicalization by terrorist groups, and the extent to which youth are at-risk.
"When it comes to preparing for and responding to emergencies, we can never be too equipped for what we may face, so it's important that we have these meetings with Administrator Fugate," Bilirakis said. "My goal is to ensure that FEMA, state, and local response groups are working together and have the resources they need, while at the same time making certain Americans' tax dollars are being used efficiently and effectively."
FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate will testify at the hearing.
"I will stress the need for continued communications and information sharing between FEMA and state and local law enforcement, emergency response providers, and emergency management officials," Bilirakis said. "I am also interested in learning more about FEMA's efforts to efficiently administer and monitor its many first responder grant programs to ensure that funding is directed on the basis of risk and used in a manner that best enhances our security."
"Not only is this event an important way of recognizing the local strawberry industry, but it highlights the larger role that agriculture plays in the state of Florida," Bilirakis said. "It's always an honor and pleasure to participate in the annual festivities."
The 11-day festival first began in 1930, and attracts visitors from throughout the state, country and world. Today, it's a showcase not only of the strawberry, but the agriculture, commerce, livestock, fine arts and horticulture industries of Florida.
"Repealing this requirement is a victory for America's small businesses, families and individuals," Bilirakis said. "This 1099 provision hampers small businesses with red tape and is one of the most out of touch ideas to come out of Washington in a long time."
Bilirakis cosponsored HR 4, the Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011, in order to help eliminate this enormous burden that takes time, energy and resources away from businesses. The bill passed with a 314-112 vote.
Watch Bilirakis discuss HR 4 on the House Floor here:
This news is further proof that the Department of Homeland Security must tighten its student visa security issuance and compliance monitoring processes, something Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-09) has been advocating for the past several years.