Dear Neighbor,

After several weeks in the district gathering constituent input, I returned to Washington, DC last week.  An important issue that dominated national headlines last week was Speaker McCarthy’s decision to officially open an impeachment inquiry into President Biden for “abuse of power, obstruction, and corruption.” The Speaker noted that for months the House investigatory committees have worked methodically to uncover “serious and credible allegations” against President Biden.  I enthusiastically support opening this impeachment inquiry in order to broaden the scope of the investigation and ensure that all of the pertinent facts are uncovered for the American public.  No one is above the law.  We promised our constituents that we would seek transparency and demand accountability and this process will help us deliver on that promise.

Please continue reading for a brief overview of my other efforts on your behalf last week!

 Making Washington Work For You

A bill I co-authored to limit government overreach and ensure consumer choice in the automotive industry passed the House last week.  Click here to learn more about why this issue is important for all Floridians.  

Also, after I reached out to both CEOs last month encouraging cooperation in the interest of my constituents and consumers throughout the country, I was glad to see that a deal between Disney and Charter Communications has been reached. Spectrum consumers in Florida's 12th Congressional district will once again be able to watch Disney-owned channels such as ESPN.  

Also, on the consumer protection front, I met last week with the CEOs of large ticketing companies, Booking.com and Vivid Seats, about my pending legislation to improve price transparency for consumers. There is nothing more disappointing for an avid fan than being lured into the prospect of an affordable ticket to see his or her favorite sports team or band only to learn later in the check-out process that the final price tag is significantly higher.  My pro-consumer bill, the TICKET Act, brings much needed transparency to the whole ticketing industry.  I’m committed to working towards reforms that protect consumers and provide certainty in the marketplace.

Despite the fact that gas prices continue to rise, President Biden has doubled down on his war against domestic energy production by canceling remaining gas and oil leases in Alaska.   Americans can’t afford more pain at the pump.  We need America First energy policies that boost domestic production and end our reliance on foreign countries.  I’ll continue to press for commonsense reforms.  

Last week, I also spoke to a group of rare disease patients about the work I am doing to streamline FDA processes in order to advance the development of treatments and cures for those who are suffering.  And, I participated in a Congressional hearing on drug shortages that exist throughout the nation.  We must bring stakeholders together to develop solutions for both these challenges.  

Additionally, it is important that we keep track of the work being done to deliver on the promises that were made as part of our Commitment to America.  Below are 23 ways House Republicans have honored our Commitment to America in 2023!

Celebrating Success:  Last week, I was declared the 2023 winner for the Constituent Communications award within the House Republican Conference.  As part of this annual competition, Members of Congress seek to increase constituent engagement by diversifying their modes of official communication to include: email, text, e-surveys, radio, social media, tele-townhalls, and physical mail.  I gathered input from constituents on a wide range of topics, including:  education, healthcare, Constitutional protections, inflation, hurricane damage, environmental protection and the current direction of the nation.  That feedback is used to help guide my work in Washington.  

This is the second consecutive year I've won this Constituent Communication Award.  I am humbled to once again receive this prestigious honor.  I believe that the best ideas come from the people I serve, and it is important to establish effective lines of communication to ensure I have a good pulse on the issues that matter most to my constituents.  Everyone communicates, but effective communication requires connection and that can only happen when everyone is actively engaged.  Listening is the most important aspect of communication, and I am continuously working to improve and modernize processes to better understand my constituents' needs so that I can provide targeted resources to help.

Learning from You Here at Home:   As noted in this local news report, my team and I helped a Citrus County Veteran obtain the VA benefits he deserves.  I'll always keep fighting to help our nation's heroes – whether in Washington or here at home.  

I was also honored to join two local events in Hernando County to honor and remember the heroic service of those first responders who participated in the rescue efforts on 9/11.  May we always remember their service and sacrifice!

It is nice to see Citrus County getting national recognition for its efforts to keep residents safe ahead of the hurricane.  Before, during and after the hurricane, I had the chance to interact with local emergency management professionals in all three counties.  Yet again, they continue to prove themselves as top notch! 

Additionally, I am committed to protecting our unique and sensitive environmental resources.  Click here to learn more about my efforts.  

You're Invited:  I had two forums scheduled for the day before Hurricane Idalia was scheduled to hit our coast.  Due to the impending storm, I had to postpone.  Please find the newly rescheduled events below.   I hope you will be able to join us!

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 enjoyed hearing from the CEO of North Tampa Behavioral Health about the facility’s new outreach program for local Veterans.  

My team was also honored to attend the recent George Washington Carver School’s historical exhibit in Citrus County.  George Washington Carver School was built in 1923 on the site of the present Carver Center.  During this special exhibit, our community recognized and celebrated the vital role that the African American community has played in our local history, including accomplishments made in business, education, military, religion, agriculture, and all aspects of art and culture. 

Additionally, my team recently attended this year's Friends of NRA Dinner in East Pasco.  We must always continue to protect against the erosion of our 2nd Amendment Rights. 

Constituent Corner

My office recently received this note after my team successfully helped her get an issue resolved with the local VA. 

Thanks so much for helping me resolve an issue I was having with the IRS.  I had been trying to get in touch with someone for months before reaching out to your office - with no luck.  After calling James in your office, I got a call back the following day and was able to get the answers I needed.  James was wonderful!

 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!  

Sincerely,

Gus Bilirakis
Member of Congress