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"Secretary Shinseki has proudly served this nation in the U.S. Armed Forces, but following the Inspector General's interim report, which identifies more alarming allegations, I call upon the General to step down for the sake of our veterans.
As Vice-Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, I am dismayed at the recent allegations of bureaucratic misconduct, which may have attributed to the deaths of veterans who were stuck waiting for care within the VA.
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.
"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.
"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.
Florida's economy is rebounding. In the Tampa Bay area – defined as Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Hernando counties– the labor force has increased and the unemployment rate has decreased every year since 2009. The products of pro-growth policies at the state level have contributed to this growth.
"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."
"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.
"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.
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).