Dear Neighbor, 

I had the chance to speak with many constituents in the district last week about issues impacting their families and their priorities for the country.  The input gained through my tele-townhall, community forums, open office hours and other meetings with constituents was invaluable and will continue to guide my efforts on your behalf.  

I've made it clear for the past several months that I oppose additional Continuing Resolutions (CRs) for FY2024 because they extend Pelosi-spending levels.   Regrettably, the Speaker made a deal, despite our objections, with Senate and House Democrats to push through a short-term CR to continue level funding for two more weeks while the negotiated FY2024 budget bills are being drafted and circulated in both Chambers.  

I've also been quite clear that I will use the power of the purse to demand meaningful action to secure our southern border.  I look forward to reviewing the details of the negotiated FY 2024 budget bills to evaluate whether or not they meet this criteria while reining in reckless spending. 

Please continue reading for a brief recap of my efforts on your behalf last week. 

Making Washington Work for You:  Last week was national Rare Disease week.  As Co-Chairman of the Congressional Rare Disease Caucus, I'm proud of my work to streamline FDA procedures while maintaining protections to ensure safety and promoting the development of treatments for the millions of Americans grappling with a rare disease.  For example, I’m working to reauthorize a critical federal program that helps facilitate the development of treatments for children suffering with cancer and other rare diseases.  Click here to learn more about my bill.  In last week’s Health Subcommittee hearing, Members examined a variety of legislative proposals to help rare disease patients, including my Creating Hope Reauthorization Act of 2024.  

Securing the Border:  Again, we must use every tool at our disposal to stop the invasion at our southern border.  The President can use his Executive Powers, the Senate can pass the legislation we already sent them (HR 2), and the House can use the power of the purse to force the Biden Administration to do the right thing.  I won’t stop until the border is secure!  

Pushing Back Against DEI:  Last week, there were disturbing reports revealing that the American College of Surgeons participates in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives rather than using a merit standard to determine which candidates are accepted into programs and which grants are funded.  Additionally, there were troubling accounts of doctors who lamented treating patients with a conservative ideology.   There is no place for identity politics, discrimination and DEI anywhere, especially in medicine where it risks lives.  Americans deserve to know their medical professionals are the most qualified candidates available, that grant awards are based on the most promising outcomes, and that all patients are treated equally without regard to their race or political views.  As a senior member of the Health Subcommittee, I will be leading the charge to uphold this basic standard of care and hold those who violate it accountable. 

Restoring Fiscal Sanity:  Bidenflation is still hurting Americans.  According to a recent survey, one in eight retirees plan to work in 2024 due to high prices and shrinking savings.   I’ll keep pushing to cut the reckless spending and restore fiscal sanity.  

Learning from You Here at Home: I received great input from my most recent tele-townhall, attended by thousands of constituents. We discussed the invasion taking place at our border, the need to reduce our deficit and other issues impacting my constituents' daily lives. 

I also appreciate those who came out to the forum I held with Consumer Product and Safety Commissioner Peter Feldman.  We discussed the efforts being taken to ensure products coming into the country are safe and the process of product recall when a product is deemed unsafe. 

There was also a tremendous turn out at the senior forum I held in Crystal River.  The presenters did a fabulous job sharing resources available for seniors and important updates made in the fight against diseases that disproportionately impacting seniors.  Thanks to everyone who participated!  My team will be uploading a video of both senior forums to our website in the next few weeks.  

Each month, I hold open office hours in each of my three district offices.  If you wish to speak with me about an issue that is important to you, contact my office to schedule an appointment!  Below are just a few of the office hour appointments I had recently in Citrus County. 

Laurie Diestler came in to speak with me about her efforts as part of  the National Retired Senior Volunteer Program in Citrus County.  Her team is doing a wonderful job in its efforts to boost volunteerism while strengthening support for critical community programs.

I also enjoyed speaking with local community pharmacists, Jesse and Elise Brashear.  We discussed the access issues that have occurred in Citrus County with the closure of some pharmacies and the steps I am taking to try to help.  

Additionally, it was wonderful to spend some time with the good folks of the Glen Lakes Veterans and Friends Association. They award tens of thousands of dollars in grants for the benefit of our Veterans. What a great community that I'm proud to represent in Congress!

Raising Awareness:  Last Friday kicked off Colon Cancer Awareness Month.  Colon Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., with more patients being diagnosed under the age of 55 than ever before.  Remember that education, screening and early detection saves lives.

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 participated in an annual Chili Cook-off in Lecanto in support of Alzheimer's research. 

My team also attended the annual Boy Scout Dinner in Citrus County.  Boy Scouts of America has provided strong leadership and character education for countless youth in our community. 

Additionally, my team attended the opening of a new fire station in Central Pasco County.  May God Bless the brave men and women who will be stationed there as they work to keep our community safe!

Constituent Corner

I recently received this message from a constituent after my team helped her resolve an issue she was having with her insurance company.  

For months, I was getting no where with my insurance company who had double billed me for a recent procedure.  I reached out to your office and you contacted the insurance company for me. Within a few weeks, I received a revised bill and was finally able to get this taken care of.  Thank you for your help.  

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