WASHINGTON (4 February) – Today U.S. Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis (R-Fla.) was selected to serve as Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight. Bilirakis' move to this position is especially important to the state of Florida, since he represents the state’s only member on the Committee.

As Ranking Member, Bilirakis and the Subcommittee will investigate and report on the Department of Homeland Security’s anti-terrorism and disaster response efforts, personnel management procedures, and procurement process. In addition, Bilirakis will serve as a member of the Homeland Security Committee's Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.

"Being selected as Ranking Member will allow me to continue working to ensure that the Department of Homeland Security and its programs are operating as efficiently and effectively as possible so that taxpayer's money is being spent wisely to keep our nation secure," said Bilirakis. "We must strengthen our nation’s borders and ensure that our port security laws both keep us safe and facilitate the economic growth that is critically-important to Florida and the nation."  

Bilirakis is also interested in ensuring that national disaster response plans are as robust as possible and provide clear and consistent guidance to state and local officials before and after natural disasters, such as hurricanes.

House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member, Peter King (R-N.Y.) lauded Bilirakis' appointment.  

“In his two years on the Committee, Gus has impressed me with his dedication to put in the time and really get the job done, which is why he's perfect for Ranking Member of the Management and Investigations Subcommittee.  He's the right guy to keep a close eye on the Department of Homeland Security in this critical time of transition and he’ll help guide some important bills in the coming years," said Ranking Member King. "Gus will also provide great perspective as the only Member on the Committee from Florida—a state with a lot of critical infrastructure, the Port of Tampa being just one example. I’m excited to have him on board as a Subcommittee Ranking Member this Congress.”

The Committee on Homeland Security was established in 2002 to provide Congressional oversight for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and better protect the American people against a possible terrorist attack. In 2005, The House of Representatives granted the Committee on Homeland Security permanent status.