Media

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Bilirakis (R-FL), today introduced legislation to ensure accountability and transparency at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Flood Insurance Integrity Act will require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); specifically, as it relates to how flood insurance maps are updated.

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Vice-Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, voted in passage of H.R. 1994, the VA Accountability Act, and H.R. 3236, the Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act. The VA Accountability Act would reduce red tape at the VA, making it easier for the Secretary of the Veterans Administration (VA) to fire employees who fail in their duty to care for "those who have borne the battle," while simultaneously making it easier to hire dedicated, and hardworking employees.

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gus Bilirakis, Vice-Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, today lauded passage of H.R. 2256, the Veterans Information Modernization Act. This legislation included a provision based on legislation introduced by Congressman Bilirakis, titled the Creating Options for Veterans' Expedited Recovery (COVER) Act. Bilirakis' bipartisan provision will establish a commission to examine VA's current therapy model and the potential benefits in incorporating complementary, alternative therapies. This bill passed by a vote of 408 – 0.

"These kinds of practices are not only abhorrent and unacceptable in a civilized society, but truly heartbreaking. I am pleased with Chairman Upton's announcement that the Energy and Commerce Committee has launched an investigation into this matter. As a member of the Committee, I look forward to holding Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers accountable."

"After reading the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the agreement is not in the best interest of our country and is a gross reversal of a quarter century of nonproliferation policy regarding Iran. I will vote against the agreement, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same. I remain skeptical and concerned about the inspections and verifications mechanism, sanctions relief timetable and requirements, and the lifting of the arms embargo – all of which threaten our national security interests at home and abroad.

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Vice-Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, voted in passage of H.R. 1994, the VA Accountability Act. This bill would reduce red tape at the VA, making it easier for the Secretary of the Veterans Administration (VA) to fire employees who fail in their duty to care for "those who have borne the battle," while simultaneously making it easier to hire dedicated, and hardworking employees.

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), today released the following statement:

"At first glance, the so called Iran Nuclear deal is not an acceptable deal for America and our allies. As I suspected, this agreement will threaten our national security interests at home and abroad. It is now up to Congress to examine the specifics of the deal and ensure the most dangerous regime in the Middle East halts its nuclear armament progress in order to prevent further regional conflict and an international arms race."

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gus Bilirakis, member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today participated during the Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigation's hearing titled Medicare Part D: Measures Needed to Strengthen Program Integrity.

"Medicare Part D has been an important addition to the Medicare program, and it's a program that my constituents love, and something Congress can be proud of. However, I have been concerned about the growing prescription drug problem in the US and within the Medicare program," Bilirakis said.