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March 31, 2011

By Rep. Gus Bilirakis
Published March 30, 2011

On Feb. 23, the FBI arrested Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari, a 20-year-old Saudi national studying in the United States on a student visa, for plotting terrorist attacks against soldiers, critical infrastructure and former President George W. Bush.

The Times Square bomber, Faisal Shahzad, reportedly first entered the United States on a student visa.

Several Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists overstayed their student visas.

March 29, 2011

"Many foreign students come here with noble intentions, and while not all terrorists have come to the U.S. under the guise of a student visa, many do," said Bilirakis, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee. "Terrorists have found a loop hole in our nation's security, and we must close that loop hole."

March 26, 2011
Bilirakis Blog

Image removed.
By CARL ORTH | The Suncoast News
Published: March 26, 2011

NEW PORT RICHEY - Since much of Pasco County falls within a 50-mile zone of a nuclear power plant, Pasco officials have been reviewing nuclear emergency plans this week.

March 23, 2011


Watch Rep. Bilirakis discuss the one-year anniversary of the health care overhaul

One year ago today, President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law. Don't be fooled by the clever title.

March 17, 2011
Bilirakis Blog

As Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications, Gus held a hearing on Thursday to examine the Department of Homeland Security's preparedness related to health issues. The witness was Dr. Alexander Garza, Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer with DHS.

March 15, 2011

"As the devastation continues in Japan, my thoughts and prayers continue to be with those affected by this terrible natural disaster.

"I commend Florida Governor Rick Scott's proactive call to review emergency preparedness plans at the state's nuclear plants and urge other state leaders to take the necessary steps to ensure that effective response plans are in place should we face a disaster at one of our nation's nuclear plants. We must continue to review the response measures we have in place, including the most efficient way to distribute aid during such an emergency."

March 10, 2011

"Terrorist organizations have become increasingly adept at using the Internet and social media to recruit, inspire, and motivate individuals already in the United States to carry out attacks on their behalf," Bilirakis said. "We must combat the use of the Internet and other technology by terrorist organizations to inspire and encourage attacks by those who are already here."

Bilirakis also questioned the witnesses about the most popular demographics that are being targeted for radicalization by terrorist groups, and the extent to which youth are at-risk.

March 9, 2011

"When it comes to preparing for and responding to emergencies, we can never be too equipped for what we may face, so it's important that we have these meetings with Administrator Fugate," Bilirakis said. "My goal is to ensure that FEMA, state, and local response groups are working together and have the resources they need, while at the same time making certain Americans' tax dollars are being used efficiently and effectively."

March 8, 2011

FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate will testify at the hearing.

"I will stress the need for continued communications and information sharing between FEMA and state and local law enforcement, emergency response providers, and emergency management officials," Bilirakis said. "I am also interested in learning more about FEMA's efforts to efficiently administer and monitor its many first responder grant programs to ensure that funding is directed on the basis of risk and used in a manner that best enhances our security."

March 7, 2011

"Not only is this event an important way of recognizing the local strawberry industry, but it highlights the larger role that agriculture plays in the state of Florida," Bilirakis said. "It's always an honor and pleasure to participate in the annual festivities."

The 11-day festival first began in 1930, and attracts visitors from throughout the state, country and world. Today, it's a showcase not only of the strawberry, but the agriculture, commerce, livestock, fine arts and horticulture industries of Florida.