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Before the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Congressman Bilirakis, Vice-Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, urges the U.S. Senate to pass H.R. 4057, which will increase veterans' access to valuable information on how to best use their GI benefits.
On September 11, a heavily armed group executed a terrorist attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, killing Ambassador Chris Stevens, Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods and Glenn Doherty. The following remarks were prepared for delivery by Congressman Gus Bilirakis for today?s Foreign Affairs Committee hearing regarding these attacks:
Thank you Madam Chairwoman for organizing this important hearing regarding the tragic events in Benghazi, Libya.
"For years, Israelis have lived under the constant threat of rockets from Hamas-controlled Gaza. In this year alone, over 800 rockets have been fired from Gaza into southern Israel, threatening the lives of all those who live there. Peace is only attainable if Hamas ceases these unjustifiable attacks. However, until then, Israel should be allowed to defend itself against these acts of terror. We must continue to support our strongest democratic ally in the region and encourage others to do so, as well."
Congressman Bilirakis, member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Congressional Anti-Terrorism Caucus, today joined over 50 of his Congressional colleagues in sending a letter to President Obama and U.S. Secretary of State Clinton to demand answers regarding the security failures that led to the September 11 terrorist attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya.
The letter raises the following questions:
"More and more Americans are discouraged with the job market. Today's jobs report indicates unemployment has increased to 7.9 percent, a sign the Administration's policies are impeding economic recovery. Instead, Americans are finding part-time jobs that pay less and have an uncertain future. We need economic policies that encourage growth and allow businesses to hire more Americans to get this country back to work."
Congressman Bilirakis joined Jack and Tedd of WFLA Tampa Bay to discuss the need to strengthen the screening process for those entering the United States on student visa.
"Today, the Tampa Bay area lost a great leader and a great friend. Sam was steadfast in his commitment to our community, and his contributions helped our area grow and develop into the great place we know and love today. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time."
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Op-Ed by Congressman Gus M. Bilirakis (R-FL)
October 8, 2012
Earlier this week, we learned that the Obama Administration encouraged various defense contractors and manufacturers, many of which have a large presence in the Tampa Bay area, to ignore requirements of federal law and not notify employees who may lose their jobs as a result of across-the-board cuts, known as "sequestration."
"In order to keep terrorists out of our country, Congress previously blocked the President's dangerous plan to close Guantanamo Bay and bring terrorists onto U.S. soil for trial in civilian courts. This $165 million purchase demonstrates not only defiance of the will of the American people, but could also open the door to transferring detainees. This latest circumvention of Congress is deeply troubling, and I stand committed to working with my colleagues to ensure these dangerous terrorists are not moved to our Homeland."
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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.