Press Releases
This past Friday, the office of Congressman Gus Bilirakis in collaboration with the West Pasco Dental Association held the first ever Stars, Stripes, and Smiles event, which took place at Pasco-Hernando State College. Dentists within the community volunteered to provide urgent dental care to military Veterans living in Pasco County who have been suffering with untreated dental pain and infection- all at no cost to Veterans. Watch the Bay News 9 coverage on the event here:
Today, the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health held a hearing to continue efforts to address the nation's drug abuse crisis.
Members and witnesses reviewed bipartisan legislation that would address various aspects of the drug abuse crisis. These bills aim to establish new programs for drug abuse education and recovery, ensure that both opioid relapse prevention medication and opioid maintenance treatments are provided to patients based on their individual needs, help stop the sale of deadly synthetic drugs, and more.
Today, the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a hearing to examine ways to improve federal spectrum systems.
Spectrum, the highly sought-after radio frequencies that make wireless communications possible, has revolutionized our way of communicating. The Energy and Commerce Committee is working to bring our laws up to speed with the technological advances in the 21st century.
Today, the Veterans' Affairs Committee held an oversight hearing on the Independent Assessment of the Health Care Delivery Systems and Management Processes of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Independent Assessment evaluates every aspect of the Veterans' Health Administration. Recent assessments found many systemic shortfalls and significant flaws across VHA.
Last week, the President signed into law the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2015 to extend the authorization for numerous Veterans Affairs programs related to health care, benefit services, homelessness programs, and more.
Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to authorize necessary funds for the Department of Defense to provide our military with the tools they need to defend our country.
"The defense of our nation is a top priority, as is ensuring active duty military preparedness and caring for our Veterans," said Congressman Bilirakis. "The NDAA is a vital piece of legislation and I'm proud to join my colleagues to further our efforts to help our nation's heroes."
Sometimes the call comes from a lawyer, a judge or an employee at the jail who senses something is off. Sometimes the call comes from a loved one, often a concerned parent.
Vasilios "Billy" Major is the guy who takes those calls.
For 11 years, Major has worked as a disposition specialist for the Public Defender's Office, often scrambling to find suitable solutions for individuals with mental illnesses who land in the legal system.
Today, the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health reviewed legislation to help further efforts to strengthen Medicare and protect our nation's seniors.
Members discussed legislation, including Congressman Gus Bilirakis's H.R. 556, the Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act, to improve Medicare for patients. H.R. 556 would add physical therapists to the list of providers allowed to enter into temporary billing arrangements for a Medicare patient in instances of illness, pregnancy, or vacation.
Today, the Energy and Commerce Committee advanced three bills to embrace advances in the energy sector, protect taxpayer dollars, and protect our nation's children.
"These are important bills that will benefit all Americans upon passage," said Congressman Bilirakis.
The committee advanced the H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act, a comprehensive energy bill that seeks to capitalize on America's energy abundance.
Today, the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing to discuss the sharing economy and what it means for jobs, consumers, and legislative policies. Innovative companies like Uber, Airbnb, Thumbtack, and others are using modern technology to run businesses efficiently. These companies are creating new jobs and new options for consumers while increasing competition and convenience.