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Dear Neighbor, 

There was a great deal of noise coming out of Washington last week—much of it aimed at dividing the Republican Conference as we stay focused on the promises we made to the American people.  Despite the distractions and fear-mongering, I remain fully committed to advancing an America First agenda that prioritizes:

✅ Border security
✅ Energy independence
✅ Fiscal responsibility, and 
✅ Protecting our Constitutional Freedoms

Please be assured that I’m working every day to deliver on these priorities.  Continue reading below for an overview of my work on your behalf last week.

Speaking Out Against Hate, Terror and Oppression:   I am praying for the victims of last weekend’s targeted terror attack against peaceful supporters of Israel in Boulder, Colorado. Terrorism and antisemitism have no place in our country. We must stand united against hate in all its forms and reaffirm our commitment to stopping the rise in antisemitic attacks — both around the world and here at home. 

Additionally, last week I joined my colleagues to mark the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square tragedy.  Thirty-six years ago, in Tiananmen Square, thousands of students, workers, and everyday citizens stood together in peaceful protest, calling for democratic reform and greater political transparency in China. Armed only with their ideals and the courage to speak truth to power, they faced a government that refused to listen. The world watched in disbelief as that peaceful movement was met with violence—seared into global memory by the iconic image of one man standing alone before a column of tanks.  My colleagues and I honored the memory of those who lost their lives and the voices that were silenced. We also paid tribute to all who continue to speak out for freedom—in China and around the world—often at immense personal risk.  

Sadly, the Chinese Communist Party continues to repress its own people and to ignore international law. In recent years, we have witnessed the dismantling of Hong Kong’s civil liberties, the continued persecution of ethnic and religious minorities—including Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Falun Gong practitioners—and increasingly aggressive behavior toward regional neighbors. China has violated international treaties, encroached upon sovereign borders at sea and on land, and engaged in deadly skirmishes, including on the Indian frontier. Most egregiously, it silenced whistleblowers and concealed critical information in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic—actions that had devastating global consequences.  China must be held accountable for these violations.  Throughout history, humanity has encountered many faces of injustice. Our brightest moments as an international community have come when we stood united against tyranny and repression. Our darkest hours have come when those who knew better chose silence over action—allowing injustice to spread unchecked.  America must remain a beacon of principled leadership, grounded in the defense of human rights and democratic values. If we fail to speak out against the CCP’s abuses, we abandon that responsibility—and risk the erosion of the moral foundations of civil society.

Ensuring our Heroes Receive the Benefits They’ve Earned:  I’ll keep pushing my bill, the Richard Star Act to fix the unfair concurrent receipt policy that hurts Veterans like Dan Nevins. These heroes shouldn’t have to fight their government to deliver the benefits they’ve earned. Read more about my legislation here.   

Improving Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease:  My colleagues and I are working on legislation to improve early detection and treatment of Alzheimer’s and related dementias. With an estimated 13.8 million Americans over 65 expected to be diagnosed by 2060, we must act now.  Our bill supports caregivers and accelerates progress toward disease-modifying treatments. Early detection and intervention give patients the best chance at managing this devastating disease.  Like many families, mine has faced the heartbreak of Alzheimer’s — and I know the toll it takes. We owe it to patients and their loved ones to build a care system that prioritizes education, screening, and early diagnosis.  Click here to learn more about our efforts.  

Supporting Those Who Are Struggling:  The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025, which passed the House last week,  is a critical step forward in our nation's battle against the opioid and overdose crisis. This bipartisan legislation expands access to essential services for individuals affected by substance use disorders. With more than 80,000 overdose deaths in 2024 alone, it's imperative that we continue to invest in prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. This important bill provides the tools and resources necessary to save lives and support communities.

Enhancing Public Safety:  I've filed legislation to enhance public safety by preventing incarcerated individuals from orchestrating crimes from behind bars. Sheriffs and police chiefs across the state are emphasizing the importance of this measure in dismantling criminal operations and protecting communities.  Read more about my bill here.  

Empowering Parents:  We must empower parents with the tools they need to better protect their children from online harm.  I’m working to accomplish this goal through the Kids Online Safety Act and the App Store Accountability Act. To learn more about my efforts on this important issue, click here. 

Leading the Way: In last week’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing, we explored how artificial intelligence is shaping our daily lives — and what the future holds as the technology continues to evolve.  Click here to listen to my remarks during the hearing.  

Raising Awareness:  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder affects millions of Americans — including Veterans, first responders, survivors of trauma, and more. This month, we honor their strength, raise awareness, and break the stigma surrounding mental health.   Healing is possible. 

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 attended the 10th Anniversary of the Boys and Girls Club at the Community Center in Lacoochee.  This has been a wonderful resource to help students reach their highest potential and I'm grateful for the community partners who work tirelessly to facilitate its operation.  

My team also participated in the community forum hosted by Moffitt Cancer Center at the new Speros site in Pasco County.  This exciting new technology hub will be a place that improves patient care, stimulates economic development and advances cancer research. 

Additionally, my team spoke with local first responders about community preparedness strategies to ensure all of our neighbors are ready for hurricane season.  

Constituent Corner

My team recently received this message from a constituent after helping sucessfully complete her FEMA case. 

Just wanted to thank You and Your Staff for working with me to get me through FEMA. Your office was very accommodating and very helpful. I thank you also for reaching out to me right after Hurricane Helene. Meant so much for your concern for me as one of your constituents. Your office stayed with me during the whole process, which was quite lengthy. I especially would like to thank Andrea for directing me to the right place and people.  Thank you for doing a great job as our Representative!

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