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"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.
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. I have long supported policies that would encourage the private sector to flourish, and am excited to help promote one of Florida's biggest job markets – the tourism sector.
"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.
April contains both the day by which most Americans must file their federal income taxes, as well as Tax Freedom Day – the point in the year when the average American has finally earned enough just to pay off his or her annual tax bill. This time of the year reminds us that again and again, Washington has proven that it is unable and unwilling to act responsibly when it comes to the stewardship of American tax dollars.
"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.