Press Releases

Today, the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health held a hearing to review recent reports regarding issues in the Medicaid program and exchange eligibility for the president's health care law.

Recent reports unveiled significant shortcomings in the implementation of the law. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is not adequately detecting errors in the system leading to duplicate coverage and payments and high potential for fraud.

Today, the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing to examine ways to better protect seniors from harmful hackers, scams, and fraudulent activity.

With the growing amount of online activity, cyber security has become paramount. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to identity theft and financial scams. Members and witnesses discussed steps to ensure data is safe from bad actors.

Yesterday, the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing to examine proposals to keep families safe on the road. Members reviewed legislation to improve recall awareness, increase privacy and security protections for motorists, modernize the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and incentivize vehicle technologies that can improve roadway safety and fuel efficiency.

Yesterday, the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health held a hearing to review opportunities to improve Medicare for our nation's seniors.

Time and time again we hear the complaints regarding politics in Washington. The President himself has expressed frustrations with the partisan atmosphere in our nation's capital and has asked that Congress work together on issues important to our country.

The President asked and we answered.

Last week, we sent the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to the President's desk for signature. This crucial legislation will authorize necessary funds for the Department of Defense to provide our military with the tools they need to defend our country.

Some 75 veterans had plenty to smile about after the inaugural Stars, Stripes and Smiles event.

The office of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis and the West Pasco Dental Association set up the free dental care for soldiers at Pasco-Hernando State College West Campus. PHSC dental students gave their help as well.

Under current regulations, only veterans classified as 100 percent disabled can get dental care, an aide to Bilirakis, Summer Robertson, said.

Today, the House Veterans' Affairs Committee held a hearing to examine the VA Office of Inspector General's report on the inappropriate use of position and the misuse of the relocation program and incentives. Of the six witnesses expected to testify, Linda Halliday, Deputy Inspector General from the Office of Inspector General, was the only witness in attendance.

Today, Speaker Boehner signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation, which will authorize necessary funds for the Department of Defense to provide our military with the tools they need to defend our country, now heads to the President's desk.

"I'm glad to see the strong bipartisan and bicameral support for this legislation," said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. "As we face an unprecedented amount of national security threats, this bill is crucial to ensure our military is prepared and we, as Americans, are safe."