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Dear Neighbor,
Last week in Washington, I remained focused on advancing legislation that strengthens our national defense, supports our communities, and reflects the values of our commuinity. I worked with colleagues to promote policies that enhance military readiness and security, while also championing new protections for student athletes to ensure their safety and fair treatment. Additionally, I supported public health initiatives and pushed for measures to improve access to quality healthcare options for seniors. As always, I stayed in close contact with constituents to ensure their voices continue to guide my work on Capitol Hill. Please continue reading to learn more.
On a personal note, please also join me in wishing a very happy birthday to my father, former Congressman Michael Bilirakis – who turned 95 last week! I couldn’t ask for a more devoted dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, and friend. Here's to celebrating an incredible legacy and a life well lived!
Protecting our Nation: Programs like ICEBlock put our ICE agents at serious risk by warning criminal illegal immigrants in advance. As recent violent incidents have shown, this isn't just irresponsible—it puts lives in danger. That’s one reason why I voted for the One Big, Beautiful Bill. It increases ICE funding and ensures the swift removal of criminal aliens from our communities. Public safety must come first!
Last week, President Trump sent a strong and unmistakable message to fentanyl traffickers: your time is up. By signing the HALT Fentanyl Act, which I proudly co-sponsored, we’ve taken a critical step toward combating the fentanyl crisis that continues to devastate families and communities across our nation. This important legislation equips law enforcement with the tools they need to hold criminals accountable and keep this deadly drug off our streets. Most importantly, it permanently classifies fentanyl as a Schedule I controlled substance, strengthening our ability to prosecute traffickers and disrupt the supply chains fueling this epidemic. With this law, we are sending a clear signal: we will not tolerate the distribution of poisons that endanger the lives of Americans.
We are also continuing our work to restore American energy dominance by delivering: lower energy costs, stronger national security and resilience for our electrical grid.
Additionally, we passed the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2026 last week, which will strengthen America’s military readiness by investing in innovation in military superiority, supporting our servicemembers and their families, combatting drug trafficking, promoting fiscal responsibility and ensuring a primary focus of keeping Americans safe.
Restoring Fiscal Sanity:In addition to passing the Defense Appropriations bill, we approved the President’s rescissions package last week. This important legislation reclaims $9 billion in unspent federal funds, returning taxpayer dollars to the Treasury rather than leaving them vulnerable to inefficient use or redirection without proper oversight. The majority of the cuts in this initial rescissions package came from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and public broadcasting. I remain committed to advancing fiscally responsible measures like this to ensure greater accountability and stewardship of taxpayer money.
Advocating for our Heroes: As Advisor to Speaker Mike Johnson on VA issues, I appreciated the opportunity to sit down and discuss the critical issues affecting Veterans both in my district and across the nation. We specifically discussed the importance of rectifying the injustice of concurrent receipt for more than 50,000 combat-injured Veterans through passage of my Major Richard Star Act. I will keep pushing this important issue forward until it is resolved.
Creating a Level Playing Field: College athletics are a vital part of American culture, and it's clear—from both student-athletes and universities—that a national framework is long overdue. In last week’s Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade Subcommittee markup, we advanced the Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements (SCORE) Act. It delivers the stability, clarity, and transparency that stakeholders have been calling for. I’m proud of the work our Subcommittee has done on this important issue, and I look forward to further advancement of this measure that establishes clear guardrails—ones that empower student-athletes while upholding the core educational mission of our colleges and universities.
Helping Patients: In last week’s Health Subcommittee we reviewed several legislative proposals designed to maintain and improve the public health workforce, enhance rural health care initiatives, and ensure the safety of over-the-counter medicines. Click here to listen to my exchange with the panelists on this important topic.
I was also proud to co-introduce the Medicare Orthotic and Prosthetic Patient Centered Care Act. This vital legislation ensures that individuals with limb loss and orthopedic conditions receive safe, effective, and patient-centered care. It streamlines Medicare coverage for orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) services, reduces fraud and abuse by clearly identifying qualified providers, and prioritizes both clinical outcomes and patient needs. By upholding high standards and strengthening oversight, this bill advances fiscal responsibility while delivering compassionate care to some of Medicare’s most vulnerable beneficiaries.
Additionally, I was honored to receive the Excellence in Public Service Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics. I’m proud to stand with those who work every day to protect the health and well-being of our children. Together, we’ll keep fighting for policies that give every child a healthier, brighter future.
Protecting Consumers: The Eighth Circuit’s recent decision to vacate the FTC’s ‘negative option’ rule is a necessary check on regulatory overreach. In her rush to regulate, Lina Khan failed to follow appropriate procedures - undermining transparency and due process for stakeholders and consumers alike. This ruling reinforces the importance of accountability and adherence to the rule of law in regulatory actions. It’s now time to restore trust in the Federal Trade Commission and protect American consumers without unduly burdening legitimate business activity.
Celebrating Success: I’m proud of the results my team and I have secured in the first sixth months of this term.
I was also honored to join local Rotarians for District 6950’s annual meeting last week. These dedicated leaders make a profoundly positive impact on our community each and every day!
Encouraging Future Leaders: 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 participated in the Hernando County’s Annual Economic Summit, where business leaders, civic officials, and local elected representatives came together to discuss growth opportunities that promote long-term prosperity and strengthen our local economy.
My team celebrated the success of a local business, Barrett Rivera Kitchen and Flooring, on its 10th anniversary.
Additionally, my team appreciated the opportunity to learn about the ongoing efforts to support those in need during a recent meeting of the West Pasco Community Service Council.
Constituent Corner
My team recently received this message from a constituent after assisting with her husband's VA burial claim.
Thank you for directing me to your knowledgeable, strong sense of commitment and efficient staff, Kristen Sellas and Andrea Heiser. They were well organized in handling my husband’s VA claim, and I am very grateful to you for helping me.
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! |
