Press Releases
Tourism and travel employ over one million Floridians. In recent years, tourism to Florida has resulted in more than $70 billion for its economy. According to VISIT Florida, every 85 visitors to our state results in a new job created.
That is why I have introduced the Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and Modernization Act, which would extend the activities of Brand USA through 2020.
"Given the recent atrocities at the Phoenix VA system, as well as other VA facilities across the country, I am extremely pleased to see this legislation pass by such an overwhelming margin. Senior management in the VA oversee and manage the hospitals where veterans are dying because of secret wait lists and unreasonably long waits to access care. Under current law, it is virtually impossible to hold them accountable for their failures," said Bilirakis.
"I am extremely pleased to see my legislation included in the NDAA this year. The Space Available Program allows active duty military and their families, as well as some retired members of the armed services to travel on military aircraft if space is available. My legislation would allow 100 percent service-disabled veterans the same opportunity, at no additional cost to the Department of Defense." Bilirakis said.
"Seniors are extremely important to the fabric of our community, and I want to make sure they are able to access the services and information that will keep them healthy," Bilirakis said. "This fair will serve as a one-stop shop for seniors to receive a variety of check-ups and assistance."
Numerous local non-profit and government agencies will provide numerous free services for seniors, including health and wellness suggestions, nutritional guidance, home health care services, and identity protection tips.
"Veterans have given so much to our country, and it is only right that we give back," Bilirakis said. "I am proud to host our 8th Annual Veterans Resource Fair. This event will be a one stop shop for our Veterans, providing them with access to a variety of available services and resources. These services include, medical care, assistance with their disability claims or education benefits, and employment information."
"The MilCon/VA appropriations bill the House passed represents a $7 billion increase from FY2014, and includes a number of different provisions to protect our nation's veterans. This legislation includes full funding for disability claims processing, to give the VA additional resources to reduce the backlog," Bilirakis said. "Disability compensation and education benefits for veterans are also fully funded, as are vital resources for veterans returning to civilian life. H.R.
H.R. 3283, the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 2013, would improve public alerts and warnings during an emergency and modernize the Integrated Public Alerts and Warning System (IPAWS).
"During an emergency, it is crucial that alerts and warnings are both reliable and effective. The public alert and warning systems have not been modernized in decades. H.R. 3283 makes great strides in achieving that goal," Bilirakis said.
"The negligent behavior from the VA is simply unacceptable. The death of any veteran is awful, but the issue of preventable deaths is particularly disturbing," said Bilirakis. "The VA has failed to respond to Committee inquiries requesting details on the VA's actions to hold staff accountable for these deaths. The VA needs to fix these deficiencies immediately, and ensure the timely delivery of VA services to veterans in need. The excessively long wait times veterans face not only exacerbate their afflictions, but are, in many instances, life threatening.
"It is an honor to receive this award from such a great community partner," Bilirakis said. "Throughout my career, I have worked hard to protect our seniors.
…Congressional representatives from districts most affected by higher flood rates have been pressing FEMA to move quickly putting the new law into action. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor, said he was "pleased" to see the agency acting quickly.
"This legislation was a true, bipartisan effort that will provide relief to homeowners, and its enactment is positive for homeowners," he said in a statement.