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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.

"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.

…Congressional representatives from districts most affected by higher flood rates have been pressing FEMA to move quickly putting the new law into action. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor, said he was "pleased" to see the agency acting quickly.

"This legislation was a true, bipartisan effort that will provide relief to homeowners, and its enactment is positive for homeowners," he said in a statement.

"Secretary Sebelius' resignation is an attempt to mask the truth - Obamacare is an unworkable law. The Secretary had the unenviable job of being in charge of implementing a fundamentally flawed piece of legislation. Obamacare is big government at its worst, and the woman or man at the helm won't change that fact."

"Mental health treatment is incredibly important. We must make sure that the federal efforts devoted to mental illness are effectively directed, particularly among our nation's veterans. Time Magazine wrote back in 2012 that ‘more U.S. military personnel have died by suicide since the war in Afghanistan began than have died fighting there.' These deaths diminish us as a whole, and many are linked to traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, or other mental health issues. It leaves spouses, children, parents, and siblings behind, all of whom must deal with this loss and their own grief.

"Congressional inquiries to the VA are usually done at the behest of our constituents, largely comprised of veterans and veterans' service organizations. The VA has a robust team that should be capable of responding to Congressional requests accurately and in a timely manner," said Bilirakis. "When there is a breakdown of communication between our Committee and the VA, this inhibits us from doing our jobs on behalf of our nation's veterans. The VA needs to be held accountable for its failure in identifying and resolving these obstacles.