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Last week, Gus, who is Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, presented military service medals to two constituents.
In a surprise ceremony, Gus presented the Bronze Star Medal, along with a host of other service medals, to Palm Harbor resident Robert Smiddy, who served as part of the U.S. Army's 97th Infantry Division during World War II.
"While I am encouraged by the latest push to re-open the Halki seminary, we must continue to put pressure on Turkey to abide by its constitution, which ensures religious rights for all citizens and institutions.
My FOX Tampa Bay (July 2, 2012) - It was an unfortunate reality for Bucs fans the last two seasons: if you wanted to see the home team at Raymond James Stadium, you likely had to buy a ticket.
Thirteen of the last 16 home games were blacked out on television in the area. That may change after the NFL confirmed a Wall Street Journal report about new blackout rules.
On Thursday, Gus addressed a forum to highlight the treatment of Coptic Christians in Egypt, and promote religious freedom in the Middle East and worldwide.
The legislation comes after it was discovered that Pvt. Lawrence Davis Jr., a World War II veteran with no next of kin, was buried in a cardboard box at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla.
On Tuesday, Gus gathered leaders within the tax and consumer protection industry to discuss the growing problem of tax refund fraud.
Since 2008, the IRS has identified 470,000 incidents of identity theft affecting more than 390,000 taxpayers. After reviewing only 30 percent of the 100 million returns filed this year, the IRS has already confirmed 2.6 million cases of fraud.
"Like many Americans, I am extremely disappointed in the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the President's health care law, which is bad news for patients, doctors, and our nation's economy.
"Operation Fast & Furious" was a flawed and deadly program. We must get to the bottom of it and those responsible must be held accountable. The American people and Congress have lost faith in the ability of Attorney General Holder's ability to properly uphold the law and the interests of the United States," Bilirakis said.
This is an opportunity for the community to meet with the Congressman's staff without an appointment and is intended to complement the availability of his district offices in Palm Harbor and Plant City.
Constituents are invited to bring any issues, concerns, or requests for assistance related to Congress and the federal government.
The following article appeared in the Tampa Bay Times on June 22, 2012:
It was one of those "read the fine print" moments.