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Dear Neighbor,
It is with a broken heart that I share the unexpected loss of my beloved brother, Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis, last week. Manuel, as we lovingly call him, was a rare and gentle soul who made a profound impact on the lives of those who knew him. He was a devoted husband and father as well as a loving son, brother, and uncle. He was also a gifted and compassionate physician who treated patients throughout Pinellas and Pasco counties for many years, including during the time he worked at the VA Outpatient Clinic in New Port Richey. I could not have asked for a better friend or confidant. Though his time on this earth was far too short, he leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, commitment to family, and a lifetime of service to others. May his memory be eternal!
I spent much of last week alongside my parents, sister-in-law, nieces, children and other family members last week. As such, please find an abbreviated message below about the work on your behalf.
Making Washington Work for You
Throughout the country, Americans are continuing to suffer from shortages in critical medications because our pharmaceutical supply chain relies too heavily on foreign sources that are vulnerable to disruptions. I’m proud to be working with my colleagues on this important legislation that will solve this problem by encouraging the development of medications that are Made in the USA. Click here to read more about our bill.
Also, this article explains how a tranquilizer commonly used for horses is being used to lace street drugs, with deadly consequences. My bill to address this growing problem will give law enforcement the tools it needs to go after those who are misusing this drug to make illicit street drugs even more addictive and deadly, while still ensuring access for legitimate animal use.
Additionally, I was truly saddened to learn of the eight-year prison sentence that Zhou Deyong has been given for merely practicing his faith in China. Mr. Deyong’s son is my constituent. The international community has an obligation to speak out on behalf of those whose voices, like Zhou’s, who have been silenced for far too long. If we stay silent in the face of these transgressions, we do so at the peril of civil society. We must continue to apply pressure to force the CCP's hand in granting its people fundamental human rights, including the right to worship. As C0-Chairman of the International Religious Freedom Caucus in Congress, I will continue to work on this important issue.
Learning from You Here at Home:
Last week my Hernando, Citrus, and East Pasco Advisory Committees held their first meeting of the new Congress. I appreciate the input of these local leaders as I endeavor to learn more about how I can help this new part of my district continue to thrive! Your feedback truly makes me a better Member of Congress! If you would like to serve on one of my advisory boards, please contact my office at 727-232-2921.
A special thank you to everyone who participated in my Senior Forum last week. While I was unable to personally attend because I was with my family, it was a great turn-out with many useful tips about how to stay safe and how to access helpful resources within the community! If you were unable to attend, my offices have copies of the materials that were distributed.
Congratulations to Madeline Teague, a senior at Hernando High School who won the 2023 Congressional Art Competition, which was held in Land O’ Lakes last week. The title of her artwork, which uses oil, acrylic and glitter is Amour. Madeline has won a trip to Washington, D.C. for a reception with other winners throughout the country. Her artwork will also be hung in the Capitol for the next year!
All of the participants in the Congressional Art Competition were extremely talented, as evidence by the beautiful works submitted from students in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. The Pasco County top prize went to Katelyn Morrison of J.W. Mitchell High School for her piece entitled On Repeat. The top prize in Hernando County was awarded to Natalie Hartman of Springhill Christian Academy for her work entitled, Faber Est Suae Fortunae. Also, Citrus County's highest prize was earned by Illiana Engert of Lecanto High School for her work entitled Upstream.
 
Tomorrow, I had planned to hold an event for local small business owners with the Small Business Administration (SBA). Due to my brother's funeral that will be held tomorrow, I'm rescheduling. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Community Connection
I am fortunate to have a team of dedicated staff who regularly attend events throughout our community, especially when I am required to be in Washington, DC. Through their collective efforts, I am better able to stay connected to the issues that matter most to my constituents. As part of my commitment to developing a better understanding of the issues facing constituents in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties members of my team attended several events last week. Here are a few highlights.
My team members were honored to join in several National Day of Prayer ceremonies that took place throughout the district last week. Pictured below are events from Inverness, Dade City and New Port Richey.
  
My team was also proud to participate in last week’s groundbreaking of Metropolitan Ministries’ Miracle Place of Pasco in Holiday. Once completed, this project will expand services available to at risk families in West Pasco.
Additionally, my team was privileged to pay their respects to the family of Pasco County Firefighter, Jason Tucker, who was laid to rest last week after a courageous fight with cancer linked to his public service. Even after his medical retirement, Firefighter Tucker continued giving back to others. He regularly volunteered to speak to new recruits about his illness and the safety precautions that can be taken to minimize risks. May his service and sacrifice always be remembered!
Constituent Corner
My office recently received this email after my team intervened on his VA issue.
I want to thank you for your immediate attention to my request for your assistance to help resolve my issue of securing dental care. I received immediate approval from the VA Community Referral to approve after you contacted them. Appointments have been scheduled for impressions and tooth extractions needed. Again I really appreciate your assistance.
This is just one example of the work we do each day. Constituent services are a critical element of our congressional office. The federal government is a massive operation, and my office is available if you ever need assistance in navigating the bureaucracy or cutting through red tape. We are here to serve you!
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