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Yesterday, the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing to examine proposals to keep families safe on the road. Members reviewed legislation to improve recall awareness, increase privacy and security protections for motorists, modernize the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and incentivize vehicle technologies that can improve roadway safety and fuel efficiency.
Yesterday, the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health held a hearing to review opportunities to improve Medicare for our nation's seniors.
Time and time again we hear the complaints regarding politics in Washington. The President himself has expressed frustrations with the partisan atmosphere in our nation's capital and has asked that Congress work together on issues important to our country.
The President asked and we answered.
Last week, we sent the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to the President's desk for signature. This crucial legislation will authorize necessary funds for the Department of Defense to provide our military with the tools they need to defend our country.
Today, the House Veterans' Affairs Committee held a hearing to examine the VA Office of Inspector General's report on the inappropriate use of position and the misuse of the relocation program and incentives. Of the six witnesses expected to testify, Linda Halliday, Deputy Inspector General from the Office of Inspector General, was the only witness in attendance.
Some 75 veterans had plenty to smile about after the inaugural Stars, Stripes and Smiles event.
The office of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis and the West Pasco Dental Association set up the free dental care for soldiers at Pasco-Hernando State College West Campus. PHSC dental students gave their help as well.
Under current regulations, only veterans classified as 100 percent disabled can get dental care, an aide to Bilirakis, Summer Robertson, said.
Today, Speaker Boehner signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation, which will authorize necessary funds for the Department of Defense to provide our military with the tools they need to defend our country, now heads to the President's desk.
"I'm glad to see the strong bipartisan and bicameral support for this legislation," said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. "As we face an unprecedented amount of national security threats, this bill is crucial to ensure our military is prepared and we, as Americans, are safe."
Congressman Gus Bilirakis today released the following statement in response to the recent spike in violence across Israel and the Palestinian territories:
"I stand with our Israeli allies as they face the frightening escalation of terror acts throughout Israel. These indiscriminate attacks on civilians are reprehensible and must stop, as peace and security have been shaken. Just as Prime Minister Netanyahu has condemned retaliatory attacks and called for unity in the wake of these attacks, Palestinian leaders must follow suit and condemn these violent acts at once."
As Vice Chair of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, I have seen firsthand the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of our Veterans. I am forever grateful for our nation's true American heroes and their efforts to keep us safe. That is why I have been devoted to helping our Veterans transition to civilian life. My colleagues and I have worked on legislation to increase Veteran employment opportunities, remove unnecessary barriers, provide resources for a seamless transition into the workforce, and improve access to timely and quality health care for our heroes.
This past Friday, the office of Congressman Gus Bilirakis in collaboration with the West Pasco Dental Association held the first ever Stars, Stripes, and Smiles event, which took place at Pasco-Hernando State College. Dentists within the community volunteered to provide urgent dental care to military Veterans living in Pasco County who have been suffering with untreated dental pain and infection- all at no cost to Veterans. Watch the Bay News 9 coverage on the event here:
Today, the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health held a hearing to continue efforts to address the nation's drug abuse crisis.
Members and witnesses reviewed bipartisan legislation that would address various aspects of the drug abuse crisis. These bills aim to establish new programs for drug abuse education and recovery, ensure that both opioid relapse prevention medication and opioid maintenance treatments are provided to patients based on their individual needs, help stop the sale of deadly synthetic drugs, and more.