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"This legislation will provide our nation's intelligence community with the resources and capabilities they need to keep our country safe. It enhances counter terrorism efforts by allocating resources to critical national security programs, including those that detect, prevent, and disrupt potential terrorist attacks against the American people, and increases oversight on the spending of domestic intelligence agencies."
For America, Law of the Sea Treaty is a loss of sovereignty
By Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) ? May 24, 2012
https://bit.ly/LcMHW4
"It is extremely shameful and troubling to grant a visa to an activist who represents the Communist Castro regime, and this raises concerns about the Obama administration's decision-making process when it comes to granting visas and its efforts to improve human rights. The Cuban people continue to suffer and this decision simply feeds into the hands of a corrupt and authoritarian regime."
As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Bilirakis has been instrumental in promoting democracy and the protection of human rights in Cuba and throughout the world.
"This is a historic moment and opportunity for the people of Egypt, and it is my hope that any future administration will value and protect basic human rights, especially the rights of religious minorities such as the Coptic Christians, who have suffered for so long under an oppressive Egypt."
Last year, Bilirakis successfully led a push to place conditions on the $1.3 billion in annual aid the United States provides Egypt. This money has been used by the Egyptian military to persecute and attack Coptic Christians and other religious minorities.
The fair, at Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Avenue in New Port Richey, runs from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
"While there have been signs that our economy is beginning to turn around, many people are still struggling and searching for meaningful employment," Bilirakis said. "This fair will help put those seeking work in touch with employers and job creators in the Tampa Bay area."
To date, 40 employers are confirmed, and range in opportunities, including the FBI, Bright House Networks, Pasco County, the nation's military branches, and many more.
Bilirakis and Castor have offered a budget neutral amendment that will be included in the National Defense Authorization Act, which the House will vote on this Friday. The amendment would increase the number of authorized National Guard Civil Support Teams from 55 to 57, keeping the Clearwater team intact.
A CST is trained to detect weapons of mass destruction – including any type of chemical, biological, or nuclear incident – and then help local emergency responders take steps to ensure public safety.
The unemployment situation in the United States continues to remain a top priority for Gus. But there are nearly 900,000 unemployed veterans in the U.S., and nearly one in twelve of our nation's heroes can't find a job to support their family, don't have an income that provides stability, and don't have work that provides them with the confidence and pride that is critical to their transition home.
On Saturday, May 19, 2012, Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Palm Harbor), Vice Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, will host his annual Military & Veterans Resource Fair and appreciation event. The fair, which has become a popular event for area veterans, provides services and resources for servicemembers and veterans.
"I have made it a priority to be an advocate for veterans and their families in the United States Congress and we must ensure veterans receive the benefits they have earned through their service to our nation," Bilirakis said.
The Tampa Bay area is ground zero for IRS tax fraud, and Gus has co-sponsored legislation that would improve communication between local law enforcement and the IRS in order to help curb this growing problem.
On Tuesday, the House Ways & Means Committee held a hearing to examine how identity theft contributes to tax fraud, and whether the IRS and the Social Security Administration are doing enough to protect Social Security numbers and prevent and detect false returns filed by identity thieves.
"I applaud the efforts of the intelligence and counter terrorism community, the CIA, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security for thwarting this potential disaster," Bilirakis said. "This is a reminder that there are people in this world who will stop at nothing to harm us and disrupt our way of life. We must remain vigilant in our national security and defense efforts to combat more sophisticated attacks."