WASHINGTON DC – A Resolution condemning certain Middle East media outlets, authored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), was today agreed to by the House by a vote of 409 to 1.

Would Require DHS to Create a Biometric Tracking System for Maritime Immigration Interdiction

WASHINGTON DC – HR 2490, introduced by Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), passed the House 394 - 3 (House Roll Call 534).  After passage of this vital immigration legislation, Congressman Bilirakis released the following statement.

“With over 12,000 miles of coastline in the continental United States, securing our waterways is integral in securing the homeland.  As the southwest border fence makes land crossing more difficult, smugglers and potential terrorists will look for other ways to enter the United States.  We must stay ahead of the curve.  Implementing a biometric tracking system for maritime interdictions is a crucial step forward in securing our border.  Coast Guard personnel are the best in the world and this bill will give them another tool in their mission to protect and defend America’s waterways.”

Bilirakis Visited Renewables Lab, Alaskan Oil Fields, and Discussed America’s Energy Future With Energy Leaders

WASHINGTON DC – Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Freshman Republican Whip, joined Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and other House Republican Freshman on the “American Energy Tour.”  Congressman Bilirakis traveled to the National Renewable Energy Lab in Golden, Colorado.  In addition, Congressman Bilirakis took an aerial tour of ANWR to examine exploration techniques, opportunities, and challenges in the oil industry and spoke with industry and government leaders. 

WASHINGTON DC - Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-09) testified today before the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security of the House Judiciary Committee on HR 5898, the "Silver Alert Grant Program Act of 2008." 

WASHINGTON (26 June) - Congressman Gus Bilirakis today was named a “Friend of the Shareholder” by the American Shareholders Association. This recognition is given for votes in favor of America’s shareholder majority. The votes reflected were from the first session of the 110th Congress (2007).

WASHINGTON (26 June) - Today, Rep. Bilirakis (R-FL) was honored by the Alliance for Worker Freedom (AWF) with its fourth annual “Guardian of Worker Freedom” award at a private ceremony in the U.S. Capitol.

WASHINGTON (26 Jun) - On Thursday, legislation authored by U.S. Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis (R-Fla.), which creates a pilot program for the mobile biometric screening of aliens interdicted in the maritime environment, was approved by the House Committee on Homeland Security.

PALM HARBOR, Fla. (16 Jun) - In recognition of his enduring work as a public servant, the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce awarded U.S. Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis (R-Fla.), with the Upper Tampa Bay Cup Award.

WASHINGTON (12 Jun) – On Thursday, legislation authored by U.S. Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis (R-Fla.) improving benefits for prisoners of war (POW) was considered by the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (DAMA).

WASHINGTON (12 June) - In recognition of his steadfast support for veterans rights and services, the Blinded American Veterans Foundation (BAVF) today awarded U.S. Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis (R-Fla.), with the prestigious George “Buck” Gillispie Award.

PALM HARBOR, Fla. (6 Jun) - U.S. Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis (R-Fla.) will host a Seniors' Health and Prescription Drug Fair, which will provide important information and services for seniors in the 9th Congressional District, including free health screenings and information on prescription drug coverage.

WASHINGTON (4 Jun) – U.S. Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis (R-Fla.) today succeeded in getting the entire Florida congressional delegation to co-sponsor his legislation creating a national Silver Alert grant program.

WASHINGTON (4 Jun) – On Wednesday, Florida Congressmen Gus M. Bilirakis (R-Palm Harbor) and Adam Putnam (R-Bartow) introduced legislation that would assist uniformed service members fighting in a combat zone since 2001 with the purchase of a new home.

PALM HARBOR, Fla. (29 May) -- U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) will hold a press conference with state legislators and local elderly and Alzheimer’s advocates to highlight his legislation (H.R. 5898) to create a federal Silver Alert Program and how such a program would bolster efforts toward implementing a Silver Alert system in Florida.

PALM HARBOR, Fla. (24 May) – In recognition for his valor and heroism during the aerial battles of World War II, U.S. Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis will present George Costage of Safety Harbor with the Distinguished Flying Cross. The presentation will take place on Wednesday, May 28th at 9:30 a.m. during a meeting of the Briar Creek Homeowners Association located at the Briar Creek Mobile Home Park on 175 Clubview Drive in Safety Harbor, Fla.

WASHINGTON (23 May) – On Thursday, U.S. Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis (R-Fla.) supported the passage of a defense authorization bill that would improve the lives of active duty and retired service members, increase military readiness and provide for our warfighters deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

WASHINGTON (22 May) – In recognition for his work to better the Greek community, the National Coordinated Effort of Hellenes (NCEH) awarded U.S. Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis (R-Fla.), member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, with the prestigious George P. Livanos Award.

WASHINGTON (22 May) – On Thursday, U.S. Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis (R-Fla.) cosponsored legislation that would provide for a clean emergency troop supplemental appropriations bill. He called on lawmakers to pass the Clean Global War on Terror Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 6026) before adjourning for the Memorial Day District Work Period.