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"As the Palestinian Authority is on the threshold of making a unilateral declaration of statehood before the UN, it is even more important that the United States reexamines its foreign assistance to the PA, particularly during these devastating economic times," Bilirakis said.
Bilirakis specifically addressed the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, whose stated goal since its inception in 1950 has been to essentially keep the Palestinian people in a refugee status. The U. S. has already wasted $4 billion in aid on this agency.
The House Homeland Security Committee held a hearing on Tuesday titled "Ten Years after 9/11: Can Terrorists Still Exploit our Visa System?", and Gus was invited to discuss the need to strengthen the student visa screening process (Read about Gus' bill to do this here).
Gus spoke today at a FEMA conference called "Getting Real II: Inclusive Emergency Management for the Whole Community" about the need for communities to improve the way they prepare for, respond to, recover from and mitigate the impact of disasters. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communication, Gus has made it a priority to ensure that communities are prepared to help all people during an emergency.
In August, the President bypassed Congress and announced the administration would only deport illegal aliens who pose a threat or are criminals, allowing thousands and perhaps millions of illegal residents to remain in the U.S.
"While we choose to honor the sacrifices and tragedy of September 11th with solemnity today, we also celebrate who we are as a Nation. We celebrate our republic. We celebrate liberty. America was targeted because we are the embodiment of freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep us from continuing to live that way.
"As evidenced by the credible but unconfirmed threat on this 9/11 anniversary, we must remain vigilant and aware of those who pose a threat against the United States. There is still more that can be done.
"Creating jobs is priority number one, and the best way to accomplish that is by improving our long-term economic growth. If we focus on policies that help the United States innovate, compete and allow businesses of all sizes to get off the sidelines, the jobs will come and our economy will again flourish. While I appreciate the President coming to Congress tonight, we need long-term solutions, not another round of short-term stimulus that has proven ineffective.
H.R. 1826 would reinstate the criminal penalties on any individual who charges veterans unauthorized fees for claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Though it is already a violation of the law to charge a veteran for filing a benefits claim before the VA, no federal punishment exists.
"I was saddened to learn of Chairman Bitner's passing today as this is a tremendous loss for all of Florida. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his friends and family members, especially his wife Wendy, and I wish them the best during this difficult time. Chairman Bitner and I served together in the state legislature, and I am privileged to have been able to get to know him and work with him. I will always remember him as an extraordinary colleague and even better friend, and hope that his sense of service continues to live on throughout the state of Florida."
Published September 7, 2011
NEW TAMPA -- U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis returns this week to Capitol Hill with a clear message from area constituents. Stop the bickering and start finding ways to create jobs.
The workshop was meant to foster a better understanding of the federal budget process, and allowed attendees to select which policies they would like to implement to reduce our deficits and improve our long-term fiscal outlook and economic future.