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Bilirakis addressed these concerns at a Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on Wednesday that examined the certification process, which has received criticism for being inefficient and burdensome.
"I'm concerned that the VA is not processing and certifying these veteran-owned businesses adequately. Delays in the certification process are inhibiting these companies and harming much-needed job creation," said Bilirakis, who has reached out to the VA to expedite the process on behalf of local companies.
"At a time when so many people in our community are in need of employment, it's imperative that they are put in touch with those businesses and employers that are hiring and these fairs provide that opportunity," Bilirakis said.
Nearly two dozen local businesses and employers will be on hand to meet with those seeking careers. Attendees are encouraged to dress professionally, bring resumes and be prepared for potential interviews.
"Since this debate began, I have said that the mandates are unconstitutional, and I welcome the news that the Supreme Court will address this issue. The federal health care overhaul has saddled our economy with uncertainty and additional costs at a time when it is struggling to recover. We need to replace this law with patient-centered solutions that will make health care more affordable, accessible and efficient."
"This irresponsible action by the UNESCO damages the peace process and is a hindrance to negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians. I'm pleased that the United States has immediately cut off funding for UNESCO in response to their short-sighted decision. We will continue to stand by our ally Israel during this tumultuous time in the Middle East, and oppose the Palestinian Authority's attempts to undermine the peace process."
"Repealing this needless tax will give small businesses, which generally operate on small profit margins, much needed certainty as they attempt to grow in the current economy," Bilirakis said. "An extra tax on businesses will only lead to higher prices, lower wages, and lost jobs in the Tampa Bay area."
The legislation also directs the Secretary of State to submit a report on whether any support organization that participated in the planning or execution of the recent Gaza flotilla attempt should be designated as a foreign terrorist organization.
On Monday, Gus toured the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St. Joseph's Women's Hospital in Tampa, which is undergoing an expansion to accommodate the growing need of women's and infant's care in the Tampa Bay area. Sadly, many of the infants at the NICU are born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), meaning they were born to a woman addicted to drugs.
"Many Libyans and innocent citizens world-wide suffered greatly because of Gadhafi, so it is a relief to hear that this tyrant can no longer perpetrate acts of terrorism against his own people and that the oppressive Gadhafi regime is no more. Now, the world community should be focused on ensuring that Libya transforms into a free and democratic state absent of the extremist and hostile elements that it has been plagued by for so long."
On Friday, Oct. 14, Gus attended a House Homeland Security Committee hearing titled "A Call to Action: Narco-Terrorism's Threat to the Southern U.S. Border" and questioned witnesses about drug cartels and violence along the border.
Gus asked the following questions:
"The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese has been ready, willing, and able to re-erect its beloved church for some time now and I am pleased that the Port Authority and New York City officials have reached this important and symbolic agreement to reconstruct St. Nicholas Church. As the only house of worship destroyed in the tragic attacks on 9/11, St. Nicholas not only serves as a house of prayer and worship for the Hellenic community, but is a reminder that the United States and its resounding faith cannot and will not be held down by those who wish to harm us.