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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Vice Chair of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement on former and current service members being forced to repay bonuses offered for their service.

“It is truly appalling that thousands of current and former Army National Guard soldiers are facing forced repayments of bonuses they were promised over a decade ago. Those who answered the call to serve after September 11 should not be punished after they have already sacrificed so much.

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s remarks defending his health care law.

“The President’s description of Obamacare today stands in stark contrast to the Obamacare I hear about from my constituents. Premiums have gone up over 19% in Florida, all while insurers are fleeing the market, leaving less and less choices for consumers in our state and across the country. As President Bill Clinton recently commented, the health care law is truly 'the craziest thing in the world.'

Bilirakis (second from left) is presented the "Legislator of the Year" award by NAMI Pasco County.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement on a recent Department of Veterans Affairs Inspector General report detailing the continued problems plaguing the Phoenix VA Health Care System. The report reveals that Veterans are still waiting too long for care at the facility, and the delays may have contributed to the death of at least one Phoenix-area veteran.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, introduced a resolution today calling on Great Britain to return the Parthenon Marbles to Greece. The Marbles were removed from Greece 200 years ago by Thomas Bruce, seventh Earl of Elgin and transported to Great Britain. The Marbles were part of a frieze that wrapped around the Temple of Athena. In 1816, the British Parliament voted to purchase the Marbles and they now reside in the British Museum.

The House Veterans Affairs Committee today advanced legislation to improve the delivery of health care and protection of benefits for our nation’s Veterans. All 11 bills passed favorably out of the full Committee.

The Committee approved the following eleven bills:

The U.S. House of Representatives today advanced legislation to provide greater accountability within the Department of Veterans Affairs and reforms to the disability appeals process.

H.R. 5620, the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act, legislation Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) cosponsored, passed by a vote of 310 - 116.