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"I have spent the past several months participating in oversight hearings in Washington regarding the failures of the VA throughout the country. Having spent a great deal of time at facilities in our community over the last several years, I know that there are many wonderful public servants working at our local VA offices. However, I need to hear directly from those who matter most, our Veterans and their families, in order to get the clear picture regarding how these systemic national problems may be impacting my constituents.
"The Obama Administration's proposed greenhouse gas regulation for existing fossil fuel power plants, particularly coal-generated plants, not only threatens our fragile economy and our energy independence, but promises to make it harder for Americans to make ends meet. When it comes to regulations, there must be an appropriate balance between necessity and burden. The EPA proposal to cut emissions by thirty percent will cause households to potentially lose thousands in disposable income.
"I have spent the past several months participating in oversight hearings in Washington regarding the failures of the VA throughout the country. Having spent a great deal of time at facilities in our community over the last several years, I know that there are many wonderful public servants working at our local VA offices. However, I need to hear directly from those who matter most, our Veterans and their families, in order to get the clear picture regarding how these systemic national problems may be impacting my constituents.
"Secretary Shinseki has honorably served this nation, but given the recent revelations about the VA's lack of care – such as examples of secret wait lists and excessive delays in care for Veterans – I believe it is appropriate for the Secretary to resign.
"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. Late in April, whistleblowers came forward to expose secret waiting lists in the Phoenix VA health care system that may have resulted in the preventable deaths of dozens of veterans.
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.
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.