Press Releases
"OIG has reported 2.6 million unresolved inconsistencies in the applications of individuals who signed up for the President's health care law. This could mean errors in citizenship, income, employment information, or a host of other issues," Bilirakis said. "This is yet another piece of evidence that the ACA was not ready for prime time. Improper subsidy amounts funded by taxpayers may have gone to people that were ineligible.
"I applaud the Supreme Court's decision to defend religious freedom, a founding American principle. The President's health care law is full of provisions and mandates that force Americans into compliance with a law that is neither affordable nor workable. This HHS mandate and the health care law either forced people to violate their personal and religious beliefs, or pay fines. This is not the way the government should operate, and I am pleased to see the Supreme Court check the unnecessary insertion of the federal government into a family's religious beliefs."
"I applaud the Supreme Court's decision to defend religious freedom, a founding American principle. The President's health care law is full of provisions and mandates that force Americans into compliance with a law that is neither affordable nor workable. This HHS mandate and the health care law either forced people to violate their personal and religious beliefs, or pay fines. This is not the way the government should operate, and I am pleased to see the Supreme Court check the unnecessary insertion of the federal government into a family's religious beliefs."
"I am saddened by the news from Israel that Eyal Yifrah, 19, Gilad Shaar, 16, and Naftali Fraenkel, 16, have been found murdered near the city of Hebron. The horrific targeting of civilians – particularly children – make terrorists organizations like Hamas a continued threat to peace and stability in the Middle East. These actions stand as a reminder that affiliation with this type of organization will only weaken the prospects for a settlement in Israel. No parent should have to undergo the suffering that the parents of these teenagers endured.
"The problems at the VA are very serious, and they are negatively impacting Veterans across the country. Veterans deserve timely access to quality care, and in many cases, that isn't happening right now. It is my hope that Mr. McDonald's nomination will be the first step on the road to bringing back accountability and transparency to the dysfunctional agency. The VA needs to be about protecting and caring for the Veteran, not the bureaucrat."
"I am extremely pleased that H.R. 4347 has been approved by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and that Chairman Royce readily assumed into his bill the language of my resolution calling upon the Government of Turkey to facilitate the reopening of the Ecumenical Patriarchate's Theological School of Halki without condition or further delay. The Theological School of Halki has been illegally shut down for over 40 years by the government of Turkey.
"I am extremely pleased that H.R. 4347 has been approved by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and that Chairman Royce readily assumed into his bill the language of my resolution calling upon the Government of Turkey to facilitate the reopening of the Ecumenical Patriarchate's Theological School of Halki without condition or further delay. The Theological School of Halki has been illegally shut down for over 40 years by the government of Turkey.
"I am so very pleased that the Aqua Quest crew - Robert Mayne, James Kelly Garrett, Devon Butler, Nick Cook, Steve Matanich, and Michael Mayne - will be coming home. The case against them was dismissed, and rightfully so. They traveled to Honduras to help people, and were wrongfully incarcerated in deplorable conditions. Their release, while long overdue, is a relief to all, especially their families and friends. These men deserve their freedom, and now, thankfully, they can return immediately to the waiting arms of their loved ones.
"It is vital that Veterans receive the care they need, but it is important to recognize that one size does not fit all when discussing treatments for Veterans and the invisible wounds endured from their service to our great nation. While many Veterans may thrive under evidence-based treatment plans, some may not be as responsive to this traditional medical care. As such, we need to provide them with choices and easy access to alternative forms of therapies that work best for them," said Bilirakis.
ICYMI: Gus Bilirakis: VA Medical Facilities Need Major Reforms
U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., the vice-chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, called for major reforms to the Department of Veterans Affairs. In recent weeks, the department has been under scrutiny after reports emerged that VA medical centers were using altered wait lists.