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Dear Neighbor, 

We are continuing to working diligently in DC to lay a solid foundation for a successful and productive start to President Trump's second term.  We want to be sure to hit the ground running in our quest to restore an America First agenda.  Please continue reading to learn more about my efforts on your behalf last week.  

Restoring Fiscal Sanity:  Capitol Hill was hopping with enthusiasm last week as my House colleagues and I met with the DOGE DUO, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, to start talking budget cuts. No more waste, fraud, and abuse of the federal taxpayers in our federal agencies.   House Republicans intend to use the reconciliation process to target excess federal spending, prevent tax hikes on Americans, lower energy costs by reasserting American energy dominance, and secure the border.  We will work hand in hand with DOGE to achieve these goals.  A new era on the Hill is taking shape and I'm excited to be a part of it!  

Fighting for our Heroes:  We owe the men and women who have honorably served our nation, especially those who have been injured in the line of duty, a debt that can never be fully repaid.  During several Congressional hearings, it has become abundantly clear that some disabled Veterans are left without access to vital support they need and deserve which they would otherwise qualify for if not for HUD’s inconsistent treatment of disabled Veterans seeking housing assistance.  There is nothing more shameful to our country than a disabled Veteran battling homelessness due to bureaucratic red tape. The Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act, which passed the House last week with my support, is a vital step in rectifying this injustice.  It requires HUD to exclude Veterans’ service-connected disability compensation from their income when determining financial eligibility for services.  With this measure, we will ensure Veterans are consistently treated with the dignity and respect they have earned through their service.

Demanding Accountability:  In a recent Congressional Hearing, FEMA Director Deanne Criswell admitted that federal disaster specialists skipped more than 20 homes in Florida with Donald Trump campaign signs.  The House will not rest until there are answers and accountability for this blatant and egregious abuse of public trust.  

Empowering Parents to Better Protect Children:  I’m continuing to push for passage of my legislation to give parents access to better tools to protect their children online.  Click here to learn more about this important issue.   

Supporting Small Businesses:  The PROVE IT Act passed the House last week with my support. Small businesses employ almost 50% of all Americans and are the backbone of our economy.  Yet, the onerous regulations enacted under the Biden Administration have taken a significant toll on many small businesses throughout the country.  The time has come to re-empower these job creators and restore an America First agenda that creates prosperity for all.

Educating our Children:  A bill I co-sponsored, The Crucial Communism Teaching (CCT) Act, passed the House last week.  We have an obligation to ensure future generations understand the truth about the dangers of other systems of government that trade personal liberty for false promises of prosperity. The Horrors of Communism know no boundaries or distinctions among its victims.  President Reagan was right, freedom is only one generation away from extinction; it is not passed down to future generations.  And since those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it, we must provide our children with the opportunity to fully understand the oppression and atrocities caused by communism around the globe.


Helping Those Who are Hurting:  My office has received many calls from residents of Ridge Manor and other neighborhoods in Hernando County seeking help after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.  We’ve been working on their individual cases with federal agencies.  Last week, I sat down with Hernando County Commission Chairman Brian Hawkins and Hernando County Administrator Jeff Rogers to discuss ways we can work together to provide immediate relief to those in need while supporting long-term recovery efforts for impacted families.  I look forward to continuing to work closely together on this important issue. 

Disaster case management services are also now available to residents of Hernando County impacted by hurricanes Helene or Milton. Click here to learn 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 recently hosted a discussion between current Military Academy students and those local students who aspire to attend a service academy in the future.  It was a helpful conversation between those who are interested in serving our nation.  

My team also helped the Kiwanis Club of the Nature Coast shop for Christmas gifts for local children who are experiencing hardship this holiday season.  

Additionally, my team received an update on issues impacting local Veterans at the Wellington Veterans Club meeting in Spring Hill.  

Constituent Corner

My team recently received this note after helping a constituent with his insurance dispute.  

I want to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff, especially James Grenelle, for your efforts to assist in resolving an issue with Blue Cross Blue Shield. After your intervention, my complaint was escalated and resolved to my satisfaction. Thank you again.

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