Press Releases

"I've never been able to understand how Turkey, a country positioning itself for entry in to the European Union can continue to deny its citizens even basic human rights such as freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of expression. By keeping tens of thousands of troops in Cyprus, Turkey continues to display hostility to the rule of law and international norms," Bilirakis said. "Ankara's threats to convert the Hagia Sophia into a mosque and to shut down Twitter and YouTube are but two examples of intolerance unbecoming of a NATO member.

"Vladimir Putin likes to invoke the idea of the international law only when it suits him. His invasion of Ukraine, his annexation of Crimea, and his seizure of Ukrainian assets are a clear violation of Ukraine's sovereignty. The Cold War is over, and the former Soviet Union lost," Bilirakis said. "Despite Mr. Putin's best efforts to remake the Soviet Union, it will not work. The world has changed. The international community will not allow such a flagrant use of force to go unanswered.

"I do not want to temporarily patch the SGR, but we have to do it. Seniors and physicians simply cannot survive the pending reimbursement cuts that would occur if we do not act," said Bilirakis. "Not acting to provide seniors and doctors certainty and peace of mind is unconscionable. I hope the Senate will come to the table so this problem can be permanently fixed. If we work together, it can get done."

"The latest delay of the open enrollment period is further proof of Obamacare's fundamental flaws. In December, Kathleen Sebelius promised there would be no more delays. Yet, here we are, hardly three months later, and the open enrollment period is being delayed," commented Bilirakis. "Each time President Obama and his Administration make major changes through executive action to his signature legislation, they are admitting Obamacare does not work.

"Greeks have been exceptional throughout history. They fought for years, cherishing their heritage, culture, and faith. Liberty and Justice; freedom to determine the path of one's own life – these are human desires, and were embodied by Greece throughout their fight for independence," Bilirakis said. "As George Washington once said, ‘Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.' This held true in Greece in 1821 as it did in America in 1776. 'Freedom or Death' was the battle cry of the revolutionaries nearly 200 years ago. It rings true today.

"Greeks have been exceptional throughout history. They fought for years, cherishing their heritage, culture, and faith. Liberty and Justice; freedom to determine the path of one's own life – these are human desires, and were embodied by Greece throughout their fight for independence," Bilirakis said. "As George Washington once said, ‘Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.' This held true in Greece in 1821 as it did in America in 1776. 'Freedom or Death' was the battle cry of the revolutionaries nearly 200 years ago. It rings true today.

"The Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, forces businesses to provide abortifacients as part of their health insurance. For business owners who believe that life starts at conception, this aspect of the ACA violates their religious principles. No individual should be forced to violate their religious beliefs," Bilirakis said. "This is about ensuring the integrity of religious freedom for all Americans, regardless of religion."

To view the entirety of Representative Bilirakis' remarks, click here.

"My legislation will study the effectiveness of educational assistance programs for veterans administered by the Veterans Affairs Department. This study, conducted by a third party, will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of veterans' GI benefits. In order to positively change a program, it is crucial that legislators know which aspects educational benefits are working, and which are not," Bilirakis said. "Enhancing educational opportunities for our veterans is an integral aspect of their reintegration into civilian life.