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The hearing, titled "First Responder Technologies: Ensuring a Prioritized Approach for Homeland Security Research and Development," will address the needs of state and local first responders, and will examine how to best enable them to assist during emergencies.
Gas prices in Tampa Bay have nearly doubled during the past three years, causing unneeded uncertainty during this tough economic time.
Our current energy path is unsustainable ? we need to chart a new course forward ? but the current Administration's energy plan fails to do that. To combat the rising cost of energy, Gus supports a comprehensive energy plan that develops all of our nation's own resources and moves us away from our dependence on foreign sources of energy.
"Egregious injustices, such as those suffered by Chen, are unacceptable in a civilized world and must end today. The U.S. Administration must support Chen's freedom, as failing to do so would send a negative message to those fighting for basic human rights around the world."
"We must build a solid foundation for economic growth, and that begins with improving our nation's fiscal situation," Bilirakis said."These events will give local taxpayers an inside look at the budget and let them use their priorities to create a model federal budget."
TAMPA ? Three Florida lawmakers are urging the Department of Veterans Affairs to move forward with a major construction project at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center that a VA cost analysis said would more than pay for itself over the next 30 years.
Last Saturday, Gus hosted a forum to highlight the treatment of Coptic Christians in Egypt, honor the late Pope Shenouda, and promote religious freedom in the Middle East and worldwide.
The Congressman was joined by former Congressman Fred Grandy, who now serves as Executive Vice President of the Center for Security Policy and is an expert on religious freedom and national security issues, and Cynthia Farahat, a political activist and Coptic Christian who has personally experienced the persecution of Coptics in Egypt.
As leader of the largest port in Florida, both in terms of cargo tonnage and land area, Wainio will address the vital role ports play in fueling local, state and national economies.
"As our economy continues to recover, ports will play a significant role in the country's return to prosperity," Bilirakis said. "Tampa Bay is lucky to have such a pivotal port in its backyard, and we must ensure that it continues to serve as a local economic driver and as a gateway to national and international commerce."
"America's small businesses create two-thirds of the new jobs in this country, yet they face numerous obstacles that are preventing a robust economic recovery. This bill will help reduce those burdens and provide job creators the opportunity to grow, hire and create meaningful opportunities for residents throughout Tampa Bay."
According to the Small Business Administration, there were nearly 400,000 small businesses (with less than 500 employees) in Florida in 2009, employing nearly 3 million individuals.
"To uphold the integrity of the alliance, long-held NATO rulings and agreements should be honored and should not be allowed to be circumvented," Bilirakis said. "As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, I can tell you first hand that this is a very important issue. The United States, as a NATO member, needs to consider expansion cohesively and within the framework of the alliance."
Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco testified at the hearing, speaking on behalf of the first responder and local law enforcement community.
Watch Bilirakis' opening statement here:
Watch Nocco's opening statement here: