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Dear Neighbor,

It was a busy but exciting week in Washington, DC, throughout our community, and in the Bilirakis household. This weekend, my youngest son, Nicholas, graduated from the University of Florida with his Bachelor's degree. Eva and I are incredibly proud of his accomplishments.  His graduation ceremony capped off a week filled with advancing legislative priorities, meeting with constituents and community leaders, and opening new resources for local veterans. Continue reading to learn more about the work I’m doing on your behalf.

Strengthening our National Defense and Helping Our Heroes:  The House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) last week. I am proud to support President Trump’s “Peace through Strength” agenda and help strengthen America’s security and preparedness. This legislation restores the military’s focus on lethality, meritocracy, and accountability, while also improving quality of life for our service members through a 3.8 percent pay raise.  Additionally, the bill advances key presidential priorities, including the Golden Dome, the F-47 fighter aircraft, submarines, warships, and autonomous systems. In addition, it codifies all or parts of 15 of President Trump’s executive orders and incorporates 30 legislative priorities of the Administration.

I was also honored to celebrate the grand opening of the Magnolia Oaks housing complex, which will provide much-needed homes for Pasco’s Veterans and their families. This project became a reality through strong partnerships at the local, state, and federal levels-and I’m proud to have helped secure the federal funding that brought it to fruition.

Learning from You:  More than 7,100 constituents joined me for my tele-townhall last week. It was invaluable to hear directly from neighbors about the issues most important to you and to listen to your ideas on how I can continue advocating for our community. Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate.  I also enjoyed connecting with local elected officials and community leaders at my annual Holiday Open House. In addition to celebrating the season, we reflected on our shared accomplishments in 2025 and discussed ways to build on this progress in the year ahead.

Additionally, I was honored to meet with Hernando County Commissioner Ryan Amsler during his visit to Washington, D.C., this week. We had a productive conversation about how we can collaborate to better serve our shared constituents and continue strengthening our community.  I am grateful for his partnership and commitment to public service.

Protecting Florida’s Environment:  I am proud to stand with my colleagues to oppose offshore drilling along Florida’s coast. Together, we remain committed to safeguarding our natural resources for future generations.  Click here to learn more about our efforts.

Standing Up for Parents and Children: In last week’s Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee, we advanced 18 measures to empower parents with stronger, smarter tools to help them keep their kids safe online. Protecting children in the digital age is not optional — it is a moral imperative.  Click here to hear my thoughts on why this is so important.

Promoting Affordable, Reliable American Energy:  Last week, I supported three permitting reform bills that passed the House. These measures will help secure our electric grid, reduce energy costs, and unleash reliable, affordable power for families across the country.

Celebrating Legislative Success:  President Trump recently signed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act into law.  This critical legislation, which I cosponsored, enhances tools to combat the devastating impact of illicit fentanyl, helps first responders, expands recovery resources, and improves access to treatment for individuals with substance use disorders.

Also, my bipartisan bill to accelerate cures for pediatric cancer recently passed the House. Click here to learn more about this essential bill.  I urge the Senate to act quickly and continue moving this life-saving measure forward.

Inviting Impacted Parties to Apply for Assistance:  The SBA is reminding small businesses and non-profits in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus that Dec. 15 is the deadline to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans for economic losses from the ongoing drought (starting Feb. 18).   These funds can be used for working capital needs such as: payroll, fixed debts, accounts payable, and other disaster-related bills. 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. 

It was a pleasure for my team to connect with community leaders and small business owners at the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce December luncheon, listening to your ideas and concerns for building a stronger, more vibrant local economy.

My team was also honored to join others in lifting up prayers for the future of our nation and community at the West Pasco YMCA’s annual prayer breakfast, reflecting on the values that strengthen and unite us.

Additionally, my team was deeply humbled to attend the Pearl Harbor Dinner in Citrus County, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes.

Constituent Corner

My team recently received this message from a constituent after my team helped his father with a problem he encountered with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.  

Thank you so much you and your office have been a life saver in assisting my father in this situation!  To go out of your way to assist a veteran like this says a lot about your character and your value as a congressman to the state of Florida!  Thank you so much 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.  Also, if you are planning a trip to Washington, DC please let us know 90 days in advance so we can help make the most of your visit.   We are here to serve you!

Sincerely,

Gus Bilirakis
Member of Congress