Co

Dear Neighbor,

It has been a crazy week, with Democrats pressuring President Biden to abandon his re-election bid so they could annoint Vice-President Harris as the Democrat nominee for President.  Despite the political theater that has taken place over the past week, Americans aren’t likely to forget these inconvenient truths that have taken place with Biden and Harris at the helm.  Their record is one that has jeopardized national security through weak leadershop and open border policies, devastated Americans' finances,  and infringed upon the rights of citizens.  

Please continue reading to learn more about my work on your behalf last week. 

Demanding Transparency and Accountability:   After listening to last week’s House Oversight Committee’s testimony by U.S. Secret Service (USSS) Director Kimberly Cheatle, my colleagues and I on both sides of the aisle demanded her resignation. During the hearing, Director Cheatle admitted the obvious - that her agency’s colossal incompetence led to the death of an American citizen, injury to President Trump and other event attendees. While she claimed to take “full responsibility for the security lapses” that led to the assassination attempt, she remained obstructive.  For example, she claimed she did not know how her prepared testimony was leaked to the press hours before her appearance. She also offered no new insight or even a rational explanation for the utter incompetence that was on full display for the world to see.  It is undeniable that her failures caused irreparable harm to the integrity of the institution, eroded Americans’ faith in the security capabilities of its government and could potentially embolden future adversaries seeking to harm a Presidential candidate or disrupt American elections.  

To address these immediate dangers, I am eager for the independent, Bipartisan Select Committee that was formed last week to dig deeper into this situation and provide timely recommendations for how security protocols can be strengthened. While USSS Director Cheatle has subsequently stepped down, it does not mean the security lapses that occurred are remedied. The Secret Service has a mission to protect both sitting and past Presidents and Presidential nominees.  I will continue to work with the appropriate oversight committee to get answers and provide accountability for the American people

Honoring a Hero: Last week, I joined my colleagues in co-sponsoring a U.S. House Resolution to honor the life and heroic legacy of Former Fire Chief Corey Comperatore, the husband and father who was killed while shielding his family from harm during the attempted assasination of President Trump.  May his service and memory be eternal! 

Spurring Innovation in Healthcare:  The recently formed Rare Disease Innovation Hub is an important step forward in providing hope to the millions of Americans suffering with a rare disease.  As Co-Chair of the Rare Disease Caucus, I have long called on the FDA to improve its policies, streamline processes, and strengthen intercenter collaboration efforts to accelerate the development of treatments and cures for rare diseases. I am glad to see the agency do the right thing for the rare disease community by recognizing the unique challenges of rare development and the need for a new innovative approach to review of therapies. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues in the Caucus and with the FDA as it implements this new Hub to ensure its success for patients. 

Also, as a member of the Bipartisan Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease, I am also glad to see new discoveries in research that is leading to a better understanding of this debilitating disease. Click here to learn more.  

Additionally, in last week’s Health Subcommittee hearing, we conducted critical oversight over the Directors at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about the lack of transparency or accountability measures in its public health programs.  Click here to see my exchange with CDC officials.  

Standing Strong With Our Allies:  Last week, I had the privilege of attending (in person) the Joint Session of Congress with our special guest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.  Israel is in the midst of fighting a war against Hamas terrorists and the Iranian regime that funds its operations.  Israel is defending its very right to exist, protecting the rights of Jewish people everywhere, and combatting Islamic extremism around the globe.  It has never been more crucial to show the world that America stands unequivocally with Israel.  It is inconceivable that so many Democrats couldn’t take a break from their political circus to show support for our nation’s greatest ally in the region during its time of need.

Protecting Consumers:  In last week's Innovation, Data and Commerce Subcommittee hearing, we probed the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) about its need to return to its primary mission of ensuring product safety.  Too frequently, the Biden-Harris Administration has pushed a radical “regulate-first” agenda, rather than increasing its own efficiencies and saving taxpayer dollars.   Click here to listen to my remarks during the hearing.  

Challenging Local Students:  The Congressional App Challenge is now underway.  Middle and High School Students in Florida’s 12th Congressional District are encouraged to participate! 

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 listened to local small business owners at the July meeting of the East Pasco Chamber of Commerce which benefitted the Dade City Police Officer Memorial Fund.  

My team also spoke with local Veterans about the challenges they face while attending this month's meeting at the Marine Corps League in Hernando County.  

Additionally, my team welcomed Citrus County's new Economic Development Director, Steve Baham.

Constituent Corner

My team recently received this note after helping a constituent with his case involving the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  

I want to THANK YOU for your assistance in resolving this frustrating situation. I’m indebted to you and your organization!  

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