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Pasco Reporter

Friday, May 3, 2024

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Bilirakis, Wild, Smucker, Craig and Walberg Introduce Bill to Protect Seniors’ Access to Health Care

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12), Susan Wild (D-PA-07), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11), Angie Craig (D-MN-2), and Tim Walberg (R-MI-5) have introduced the Medicare Enrollment Protection Act of 2024. The bill aims to protect seniors from coverage gaps in Medicare by closing the Medicare Part B-COBRA loophole."We want to ensure the transition from private health care to Medicare is easy," said Congressman Bilirakis. The current law penalizes individuals aged 65 and older who do not enroll in Medicare Part B within eight months of retiring or being...

By Pasco Reporter | May 1, 2024

Local Government

Bilirakis Meets with House Speaker Johnson on Veterans Issues

Washington, DC: As the newly appointed Advisor to the Speaker on VA Issues, U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis recently met with House Speaker Mike Johnson to discuss the ongoing needs of veterans in the country. Bilirakis, who has been working closely with veterans across the nation, provided specific policy recommendations to the Speaker based on input received from various sources, including his Veterans Advisory Committee."I’m fortunate to have many dedicated Veterans serving on my local Veterans Advisory Council who are passionate about improving the circumstances...

By Pasco Reporter | Apr 19, 2024

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Local Government

Bilirakis, Stefanik, and Luttrell File Bill to Streamline Claims Process for Veterans

By Pasco Reporter | Apr 11, 2024

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), and Mike Bost (R-IL) have introduced the Veterans Claims Quality Improvement Act to address issues in the VA Board of Veterans’ Appeals and ensure timely and accurate decisions for veterans seeking benefits.Congressman Bilirakis expressed gratitude for his colleagues' leadership on the bill, highlighting its importance in rectifying performance problems within the VA Board of Veterans Appeals. He stated, "I’m grateful for Chairman Luttrell, Chairman Bost and Conference...

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Local Government

Bilirakis Co-Authors Diabetes Prevention Bill

By Pasco Reporter | Apr 10, 2024

WASHINGTON — Ahead of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s hearing on telehealth services, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.-12) and Diana DeGette (D-Colo.-01), along with U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) introduced the PREVENT DIABETES Act. The legislation works to increase access to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) Expanded Model by allowing CDC-recognized virtual suppliers to participate in the program. The PREVENT DIABETES Act will provide access to virtual programs under the MDPP to help prevent or delay the onset of...

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Local Government

Bilirakis and Bipartisan Group of Coastal Lawmakers Introduce the Save Our Shrimpers Act of 2024

By Pasco Reporter | Apr 10, 2024

Representatives Gus Bilirakis, Troy E. Nehls, Clay Higgins, Gonzalez, Garret Graves, Mike Ezell, Nancy Mace, Byron Donalds, Randy Weber, Brian Babin, Russell Fry, Anna Paulina Luna, Julia Letlow, and Barry Moore have introduced the bipartisan Save our Shrimpers Act of 2024 aimed at protecting the nation's domestic shrimping industry from foreign competition and unfair practices. The legislation seeks to prohibit federal funds from being used to finance any activity related to shrimp farming, processing, or export to the United States, by International Financial...

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Local Government

Bilirakis, Castor, Houchin, and Schrier Introduce Comprehensive Bill to Better Protect Kids Online

By Pasco Reporter | Apr 9, 2024

Washington, D.C. – House Innovation, Data and Commerce Subcommittee Chairman Gus Bilirakis, along with Representatives Kathy Castor, Erin Houchin, and Kim Schrier, have introduced the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) aimed at providing children and parents with the necessary tools to combat online threats affecting children's health and well-being.Representative Gus Bilirakis emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, "Teens are constantly connected through devices and their reality is a blend of virtual and real-world experiences, which are proven to exacerbate...

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Local Government

Bilirakis Invites Local Community to U.S. Service Academy Night

By Pasco Reporter | Apr 4, 2024

U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis is extending an invitation to local middle and high school students and their parents to participate in an upcoming U.S. Service Academy Night. The event will showcase presentations by each of the five U.S. Service Academies and provide valuable information about the Congressional nomination process and how to prepare for a successful appointment.In a statement, Congressman Gus Bilirakis emphasized the importance of Service Academies, stating, "Service Academies offer an elite education to the best and brightest students who are ready to...

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Local Government

Bilirakis Co-Authors Bill to Help Improve Veteran Claims and Appeals Process

By Pasco Reporter | Mar 28, 2024

Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis has recently co-authored a bill aimed at enhancing the Veteran claims and appeals process. Congressman Bilirakis, along with Chairman Mike Bost, introduced the Veterans Appeals Options Expansion Act (HR 7793) to provide Veteran claimants with more control over their appeals with the VA Board of Veterans’ Appeals."In recent years, I’ve seen a significant rise in constituent complaints related to the bureaucratic red tape Veterans have faced when filing claims and appeals," expressed Congressman Bilirakis. He also expressed...

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Local Government

Bilirakis Honors Local Heroes

By Pasco Reporter | Mar 26, 2024

New Port Richey, FL: U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis is set to host his annual Heroes Among Us Celebration to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of 92 outstanding volunteers in Florida’s 12th Congressional District. This district encompasses Citrus and Hernando and parts of Pasco Counties.Expressing his admiration for the nominees, Congressman Gus Bilirakis remarked, "I was inspired when reading the submissions that were sent in as nominations. From a Veteran with PTS mentoring others as they return from the battlefield, to a retired nurse who has found a...

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Local Government

Good News for Congenital Heart Defect Patients

By Pasco Reporter | Mar 13, 2024

Washington, DC: Members of the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee recently reviewed and passed 19 bills aimed at enhancing public health initiatives and improving patient outcomes. Among these bills was the Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024, championed by Congressman Gus Bilirakis.In a statement, Congressman Bilirakis, a co-founder of the Congenital Heart Caucus, emphasized the importance of the legislation, saying, "Our legislation will bring us one step closer to enhancing better treatment options and improving outcomes for all patients...

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Local Government

Bilirakis and Lesko Introduce Legislation to Recognize Border Crisis as an Invasion

By Pasco Reporter | Mar 5, 2024

U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis and Congresswoman Debbie Lesko have introduced legislation to declare the crisis at the southern border as an invasion. The bill aims to strengthen the legal arguments of states seeking recourse against the federal government for failing to protect Americans by enforcing the rule of law.In a statement, Congressman Gus Bilirakis emphasized the importance of holding the Biden Administration accountable for securing the border, stating, “We must use every tool at our disposal to force the Biden Administration to do the right thing and keep...

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Local Government

Did farm subsidies in cities associated with Pasco County rise or fall in 2021?

By Pasco Reporter | Feb 27, 2024

Farms throughout cities in Pasco County received $3 million less in subsidies in 2021 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture compared to the year before.

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Local Government

How much did farmers in Pasco County receive in taxpayer-funded subsidies in 2021?

By Pasco Reporter | Feb 22, 2024

Farms in Pasco County received $1,728,165 in taxpayer-funded subsidies in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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Local Government

Bilirakis to Host Forums to Help Local Seniors

By Pasco Reporter | Feb 14, 2024

U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis will be hosting his annual senior forums for residents of Florida’s 12th Congressional District. The forums aim to provide useful information and resources to assist seniors in various aspects of their lives. Congressman Bilirakis will also give a legislative update on his efforts to support seniors, including the preservation of crucial programs like Medicare and Social Security.One of the key topics that will be covered in the forums is the issue of scams targeting seniors, particularly those that utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI)....

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Local Government

Reps. Bilirakis, Soto, Carter, and Schiff Introduce Bill to Help Patients with Congenital Heart Disease

By Pasco Reporter | Feb 12, 2024

Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), Buddy Carter (R-GA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) have introduced the Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024 in the House of Representatives. This bipartisan legislation aims to reauthorize funding for critical research and awareness efforts at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Congenital Heart Disease (CHD).CHD is the most common birth defect, with nearly 40,000 babies born with the condition each year in the United States. It remains the leading cause of birth defect-related deaths in...

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Local Government

Bilirakis Condemns Biden’s Radical War on American Energy Production

By Pasco Reporter | Feb 7, 2024

Washington, DC: U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis spoke on the House Floor today to express his concern over the Biden Administration's recent actions regarding American energy production. Specifically, Bilirakis condemned the decision to pause all new and ongoing natural gas permits and the announcement that court-ordered offshore oil and gas lease sales would no longer be held. According to Bilirakis, these decisions will have negative consequences for Floridians and pose a threat to national security.Bilirakis accused the Biden Administration of waging a war on American...

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Local Government

Bilirakis Opposes Senate Border Deal

By Pasco Reporter | Feb 5, 2024

Congressman Gus Bilirakis has expressed his strong opposition to the Senate's border deal, stating that it would worsen the invasion at the border and undermine national security. The Congressman criticized the $118 billion bill, claiming that it would incentivize illegal entry and provide work permits to those claiming asylum."The awful $118 billion Senate Bill would actually worsen the invasion at our border by incentivizing illegal entry of 5,000 per day and giving away U.S. work permits to those claiming asylum," Congressman Bilirakis stated. He further argued that...

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Local Government

Bilirakis Seeks to Block Foreign Assistance to Azerbaijan

By Pasco Reporter | Feb 5, 2024

U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis has introduced a measure to halt U.S. taxpayer funding to the government of Azerbaijan. The measure aims to enforce the existing law that prohibits United States assistance to Azerbaijan until the government takes demonstrable steps to cease all blockades and offensive uses of force against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.In a statement, Bilirakis expressed his concern over the Biden Administration's repeated waivers of this provision, which they claim are necessary for preventing international terrorism. He criticized the administration for...

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Local Government

Bilirakis Pens Op-Ed on Biden Border Crisis

By Pasco Reporter | Feb 2, 2024

In a recent op-ed article, Congressman Gus Bilirakis expressed his support for the impeachment of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The article, published on the Floridian Press website, highlights the ongoing illegal immigrant crisis at the border and Bilirakis' concerns regarding the Biden administration's handling of the situation.Bilirakis begins his op-ed by emphasizing the severity of the border crisis. He states, "The situation at our southern border has reached a critical point, with a surge in illegal immigration that demands...

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Local Government

Bilirakis Demands Action on Border, Calls Out Biden Inaction

By Pasco Reporter | Jan 30, 2024

Washington, DC - U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis has taken a stand on the crisis unfolding along the southern border, demanding action from the Biden Administration. In a recent speech on the House Floor, Bilirakis highlighted the steps he has taken to compel the administration to secure the border and reverse detrimental policies.Bilirakis expressed concern over the alarming increase in illegal immigrant encounters, particularly the 331 individuals on the Terror Watch list who have entered the country since President Biden took office. He criticized President Biden's...