Media
Latest News
Identity theft is a serious crime that affected 12.6 million people in 2012 with damages to the economy totaling more than $21 billion – not to mention the immeasurable damage to the victims' credit ratings. Increasingly, criminals are stealing social security numbers from taxpayers and filing forged tax returns to get fraudulent refunds.
"With today's vote, the House came together in a bi-partisan fashion to cut spending and put our country's fiscal house on a stable and secure path – all while not raising taxes on the American people," said Bilirakis. "In passing this legislation, we have made the tough decisions this country needs: prioritizing our spending, protecting our troops and veterans, cutting wasteful programs, and giving all hardworking Americans certainty."
Among the bill's provisions are the following:
During the hearing, Congressman Bilirakis asked experts from the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) whether creating a more appropriate Star Rating system tailored to the Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans would provide more accurate information for beneficiaries. The Star Rating system is used to measure the quality of Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans, which serve seniors who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare, seniors with certain chronic conditions, or seniors receiving institutional care.
"Contrary to the very promises Obamacare was sold on, my constituents have lost their healthcare coverage, have seen their premiums rise and were forced to choose new doctors under the law," said Bilirakis. "Now, they're faced with concerns regarding their personal information and whether it is compromised — all because the President's signature law was never ready for prime time."
There have been reports that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is not required to notify consumers of data breaches under Obamacare. Furthermore, normal medical privacy laws, like HIPAA, do not apply to the federal government or the Exchanges.
"The hypocrisy of the Obama Administration knows no bounds," said Bilirakis. "By delaying the Individual Mandate under Obamacare for some individuals and not others, the President has once again shown favoritism and unfairness under the law. This is a purely political move that echoes earlier decisions to grant political allies, unions and businesses, but not individuals, a reprieve under the President's own law."
As your Representative in Congress, I believe that I have a solemn duty to honor and serve those that protect and have protected our freedoms and liberties. As Vice-Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I constantly find myself in awe of the sacrifices and efforts that have been made on behalf of our great country by the men and women who have worn the uniform of our Armed Services.
"The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Clean Water Act (CWA) guide the Corps' actions to protect our nation's waterways, but the permitting process has led to unnecessary and costly delays that do not balance public safety needs against appropriate environmental protections," said Bilirakis. "Under current law, lawsuits against critical infrastructure projects can be filed for the cost of a postage stamp.
Media and others interested in watching the Congressman's Google Hangout live, can do so by clicking here. Please contact Sarah Criser, (202) 225-5755, for more information.
Details for the event include the following:
WHO: Congressman Gus Bilirakis
WHAT: Obamacare Google Hangout
WHEN: Friday, December 13, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
"During the holidays, there are many families throughout the Tampa Bay area who may need a little extra help getting food on the table," said Bilirakis. "Florida is blessed to have an abundant agricultural industry, and I am honored to be able to work with Farm Share to get this nutritious, healthy food into the hands of families who need it most."
All needy families are welcome to attend. Media should contact Sarah Criser, (202) 225-5755, to RSVP and for more information.