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"It has been nearly a decade since the last authorization was enacted, which has eroded Congress's oversight and foreign policy leverage. Congress has a commitment to fiscal responsibility and this legislation will allow for reforms that will make the federal government and its foreign relations operations more efficient and effective."
The authorization bill is $2 billion below current-year spending levels, and $2.8 billion less than the Administration's FY 2013 request.
"I have worked to condemn violations of religious freedom throughout the world," Bilirakis said. "Unfortunately, this tragedy continues to persist, and this event will provide an opportunity to learn from national experts about the challenges religious minorities face all around the globe."
The event will highlight the challenges religious minorities face throughout the Middle East, with representatives from communities such as the Coptic Christians of Egypt, Baha'i of Iran, and Assyrians and Yezidis of Iraq.
Gus spoke on the House Floor in advance of a vote to repeal the Democratic health care overhaul, which has raised taxes, cost jobs, and limited personal control of health care. Americans deserve meaningful and affordable health care reform that will lower costs, protect consumers, and increase accessibility, while allowing Americans to control their own health decisions.
"Service members looking to use their hard-earned GI benefits deserve to be armed with the best and most complete information to help them decide what institutions will best meet their needs," Bilirakis said. "Veterans returning to the civilian workforce are struggling to find meaningful work, and this legislation is a way in which we can help them receive the most affordable and effective education to advance in their future career."
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. The Halki seminary had been the premier location for training Eastern Orthodox clergy for nearly 150 years, and the worldwide Orthodox Christian community deserves to have this fundamental right restored immediately."
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.
Under a new rule, the home team would have the option of selling out at least 85 percent of their stadium to avoid a blackout. The previous rule was a full 100 percent sellout for games to go on local TV.
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.
As a Greek Orthodox Christian, Gus has made it a feature of his service in Congress to be a voice for all religious minorities wherever they may be persecuted in the world. He led an effort in 2011 to prevent the Egyptian military from using U.S. taxpayer dollars to persecute and attack thousands of Coptic Christians and other religious minorities.
Watch Gus' speech here:
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.
"America's veterans deserve to be laid to rest the same way they served this nation: With dignity and honor," Bilirakis said. "This legislation recognizes their service and ensures that veterans who do not have immediate family are not forgotten and receive proper respect upon their passing."
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.
Last year in Hillsborough County, "Operation Rainmaker" resulted in 49 arrests, $100 Million intercepted, and $5 Million recovered.