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Washington, DC (September 27, 2012) – Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-09), member of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, Chairman of the Congressional Hellenic-Israeli Alliance and member of the Congressional Anti-Terrorism Caucus, today sent a letter to the President and Ministers of the Commission of the European Union, urging the Commission to include Hezbollah on the European Union's list of terrorist organizations.

"We must never forget the selfless sacrifices of America's true heroes – the men and women of our Armed Forces. They have defined the meaning of patriotism and heroism, and they embody the American spirit that has forged a better and brighter future for our Nation's children and grandchildren. On the third Friday of September, we pay tribute to the lives and contributions of the more than 83,000 Americans who are still listed as Prisoners of War or Missing in Action. No matter how much time has passed, we remain committed to bringing these brave men and women home."

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Washington, DC (September 19, 2012) – The U.S. House of Representatives passed today the Veterans Fiduciary Reform and Honoring Noble Service Act (H.R. 5948), which includes language sponsored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-09), Vice-Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, to ensure that our Nation's veterans receive proper burial in the absence of next of kin or adequate finances.

"I am deeply saddened and outraged by the attacks which led to the brutal murder of Ambassador Stevens and three Americans in Benghazi. I strongly condemn this horrific act, and my thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those killed serving our country. Authorities in the region must condemn these senseless acts and commit to bringing those responsible for the deaths of our diplomats to justice.

"I am deeply saddened and outraged by the attacks which led to the brutal murder of Ambassador Stevens and three Americans in Benghazi. I strongly condemn this horrific act, and my thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those killed serving our country. Authorities in the region must condemn these senseless acts and commit to bringing those responsible for the deaths of our diplomats to justice.

"Head injuries are the signature - and oftentimes invisible - wounds of war. They are not a sign of weakness or a character flaw, but rather the catalyst of other more serious illnesses, including Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

"Through advancements in research, diagnostics and treatment, we hope to learn more about head injuries and how we can better diagnose and treat our service members and athletes both on and off the field.

Washington, DC (September 11, 2012) – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 4057, an initiative introduced by Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Vice-Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, to increase the effectiveness of current veterans' educational programs.

"On September 11, 2001, our country came under attack by an enemy attempting to destroy the very foundation of this country – the freedoms and values we enjoy as Americans. As we remember the loved ones lost in those tragic events, let us also remember the great strength and unity demonstrated not only that day, but also the eleven years since. Thank you to the first responders, service men and women, firefighters and police officers who selflessly served that day and those who continue to do so now.