News From Congressman Bilirakis

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August 25, 2024

Dear Neighbor,

It was an honor and privilege to be elected as the Republican nominee for Florida’s 12 Congressional District in last week’s election.  I thank the voters who placed their trust in me to continue representing our beautiful community.  It is one of the greatest privileges of my life.   I will continue fighting on behalf of our community and all of my constituents as we work to restore an America-First agenda.

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

 Advocating for our Heroes:  The VA recently extended presumptive status for Veterans who served at Karshi-Khanabad Air Base (K2) that have become ill as a result of severe toxic exposure.  K2 is in southeastern Uzbekistan and was one of the first places American military personnel deployed following September 11th.  Exposure to jet fuel and other toxins at this former Soviet Union base are believed to have caused significant health problems for many servicemembers stationed there.  I’ve met with many K2 Veterans throughout the district over the years, and I am grateful to see this important progress for K2 Veterans and their survivors who are now one step closer to getting the care and benefits they deserve. Click here to learn more.  

Securing Our Border:  The number one national security concern facing our country is the invasion taking place at our border.  VP Harris has overseen the border crisis and failed miserably.  

Ensuring Election Integrity:  With all the illegal aliens that have been allowed to enter our country, I’m very concerned about the security of our electoral process.  I urge my Senate colleagues to take up the SAVE Act, which recently passed the House with my support.  This important legislation would block illegal migrants & noncitizens from voting by requiring proof of citizenship and forcing states to remove non-citizens from their voter rolls. 

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Providing Relief:   The recent news about Social Security Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) being less of an increase than has been provided in recent years is out of touch with the struggles seniors are facing as they grapple with record high prices for basic necessities.  It is further proof that we have to fix the formula – something I’ve sponsored legislation to do. 

Every day, I hear from constituents about how they are being crushed by dramatic increases in property insurance.  While homeowner’s insurance is regulated at the state – not the federal level- I know my constituents are hurting.  That is why Senator Scott and I are working on legislation that would provide federal tax reductions to help offset the higher premiums Floridians are paying.  

Based on new reports from the Joint Economic Committee, the average U.S. household would need to spend an additional $13,138 annually to consume the same goods and services as they did in January of 2021.

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Americans are hurting as a result of the failed policies of the Biden-Harris Administration:  Groceries are up 21.6%, rent is up 22%, electricity is up 31.7%, and car insurance has increased 53.4%. We must restore fiscal sanity.

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Learning from You Here at Home 

It was great speaking with seniors and advocates at this month’s Pasco Aging Network about the work I’m doing in Washington to protect seniors. 

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I enjoyed attending Rotary day at the Tampa Rays game last weekend with local Rotarians from Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties.  We talked about important projects they are working on, and the Rays won! 

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ICYMI – I’m honored to partner with local officials in Inverness to meet the needs of our mutual constituents. Click here to read more!

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 celebrated the Grand Openings of Roll On In Sushi and Buzzed Bull Creamery in Hernando County.  

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My team also enjoyed hearing from small business owners at this month's Nature Coast Business Professional Association Meeting. 

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Additionally, my team enjoyed learning about planned activities to unite residents of Brooksville and Spring Hill with a focus on community service and support for Veterans at a recent Togetherhood Meeting.  It is wonderful to see neighbors working together to help one another. 

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Constituent Corner

My team recently received this note after helping one of our constituents with an identity theft issue.  

After months of spending hours on hold, I called your office to see if you had any suggestions for how I could deal with someone using my information to file my taxes.  Within days, I had spoken to the taxpayer advocate from your office and they walked me through everything I needed to do.  Thank you so much for the help. You have no idea how much time, energy and frustration you've relieved. 

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,
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Gus Bilirakis
Member of Congress

Rep. Gus Bilirakis | 2354 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515
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