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Dear Neighbor,
Last Friday, our nation marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, when nearly 3,000 innocent lives were taken from us. A quarter-century has passed, but our obligation to remember has not. We remember every life lost. We honor the heroic first responders who ran toward danger, the ordinary Americans who performed extraordinary acts of courage, and the brave men and women who answered our nation’s call to serve in the years that followed. We must also ensure that future generations understand not only the horror of that day, but the remarkable courage, compassion, patriotism, and unity Americans showed in its aftermath. In one of our nation’s darkest hours, Americans stood together and reminded the world of the strength and resilience of our country. Throughout the week, my team and I participated in events across our community to remember those we lost, pray for the families who still carry that loss, and honor all who have sacrificed in defense of our nation. May we never forget September 11, 2001 - and may we never forget what it means to stand together as Americans.
Please continue reading to learn more about the work I did on your behalf last week.
Helping Our Heroes: When Veterans raise concerns about the care they are receiving, I listen - and I expect answers. Over the past several months, local Veterans have contacted my office with concerns about provider turnover at the New Port Richey VA Outpatient Clinic. While staffing turnover throughout the clinic has been a concern, mental health care is the area Veterans have raised with us most frequently. That is why I specifically requested answers from the VA about mental health staffing and access to care. The VA reports that seven mental health providers have departed the New Port Richey clinic over the past 15 months due to resignation, transfer, or retirement. There are currently three mental health provider vacancies, all of which are under active recruitment. The VA also reports that mental health wait times have averaged between nine and 14 days, with new patients being seen in an average of 11.6 days, and that established patients have maintained access throughout the year. Those numbers provide important context, but they do not diminish the experiences Veterans have shared with my office. Continuity of care matters - particularly when it comes to mental health. Veterans should not have to repeatedly start over with new providers or worry that staffing changes will disrupt the care they depend on. Our Veterans kept their promise to our nation, and we have an obligation to keep our promises to them. I’ll continue listening to local Veterans, asking tough questions, and holding the VA accountable to ensure every Veteran receives the timely, consistent, high-quality care they have earned.
Mining in America: If we can mine it here, process it here, and make it here, we should. The House recently passed H.R. 1501, an important step toward strengthening American manufacturing, securing our supply chains, and making America more affordable. The bill helps cut unnecessary permitting delays for domestic mining and mineral processing projects, giving American manufacturers more reliable access to the raw materials needed to build everything from cars and semiconductors to infrastructure and energy systems. The bottom line is simple: You can't have Made in America without Mined in America. For too long, our country has become increasingly dependent on foreign nations - including China - for critical materials that are essential to our economy and national security. We can do better. By responsibly developing more of these resources here at home, we can strengthen our supply chains, give American businesses greater certainty to invest and grow, create good-paying American jobs, and help lower costs for families. I’ll continue working to unleash American innovation and production so we can build more of what we need right here at home.
Investing in Rural Healthcare: Where you live should not determine whether you can access quality healthcare. That’s why I’m encouraged that $210 million through the Rural Health Transformation Program is being used to bolster rural health initiatives across the Sunshine State. From expanding remote patient monitoring for Floridians living with chronic diseases, to connecting rural patients with same-day psychiatric consultations, to improving screening and assistance for families facing food insecurity, these investments can help close longstanding gaps in care. For seniors, Veterans, families, and patients living in rural communities, traveling long distances or waiting weeks to receive care can create unnecessary hardship. Using technology and innovative partnerships to bring healthcare closer to patients can improve outcomes while helping people get the right care at the right time. I’ll continue working to strengthen access to high-quality, affordable healthcare for Floridians - regardless of their ZIP code.
Stopping Robocalls and Scams: Americans are tired of being bombarded by robocalls, spam, and increasingly sophisticated scams - and consumers deserve to know whether their phone providers are doing everything they can to stop them. Stay tuned: the FCC is developing a new Robocall Scorecard designed to give consumers greater insight into how effectively phone carriers are combating illegal robocalls and spam. Greater transparency can help consumers make more informed choices while creating additional accountability for carriers to strengthen their efforts to identify and block illegal calls. Scammers are constantly changing their tactics, which means we have to keep improving the tools we use to fight back. I’ll continue supporting efforts that protect consumers, hold bad actors accountable, and give Americans the information they need to choose providers that are doing their part to keep them safe.
Raising Awareness and Supporting Recovery: September is National Recovery Month - an opportunity to celebrate the strength and courage of those in recovery, recognize the families and loved ones who walk alongside them, and thank the dedicated professionals who help people rebuild their lives. Recovery is possible, and every person who takes that journey deserves hope, dignity, and support. As we continue our fight against the deadly opioid and fentanyl crisis, enforcement and prevention must be accompanied by effective treatment and meaningful pathways to long-term recovery. We must continue cracking down on the criminals and cartels bringing deadly drugs into our communities while also ensuring that people struggling with substance use can get the help they need to reclaim their lives. This month, we celebrate every recovery story, remember those we have tragically lost, support the families who have endured unimaginable pain, and recommit ourselves to helping more Americans find hope and healing.
Protecting Vulnerable Children and Families: Parents deserve to fully understand their rights and the consequences of decisions involving the custody and care of their children. Above all, the safety and well-being of children must always come first. That’s why I’m supporting the bipartisan Hidden Foster Care Transparency Act, which would bring greater transparency and accountability to an area of the child welfare system that too often operates without enough information about what happens to children and families. When children are separated from their parents or placed with relatives outside the traditional foster care system, policymakers need reliable information about how often it happens, how long those arrangements last, and what ultimately happens to those children. We cannot identify gaps in the system - or fix them - if we don't have the facts. Protecting vulnerable children, respecting families, and ensuring accountability within our child welfare system are paramount concerns. I’ll continue working with my colleagues and state and local partners to ensure children are safe and families are treated fairly. Click here to learn more.
Connecting Veterans With Help: For 20 years, my annual Veterans Resource Fair has helped connect local Veterans and their families with the benefits, services, and support they have earned. I’m proud to continue that tradition this year alongside Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody. Too often, Veterans simply don't know about all the resources available to them - or where to turn when they encounter a problem. Navigating federal agencies, benefits programs, healthcare services, and community resources can be frustrating and overwhelming. Our goal is to make getting help easier. That’s why we're bringing more than 40 community partners together under one roof so Veterans and their families can ask questions, make connections, and get assistance directly from the organizations that serve them. Whether a Veteran needs help with VA benefits, healthcare, employment, housing, caregiver resources, or other services, we want them to know one thing: you served our country, and our community is here to serve you.
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 had the honor of joining family, friends, and community members in Port Richey to celebrate the 100th birthdays of Senior Master Sergeant Leon Kincaid Jr. and Private First Class Robert Love. A century of life is truly something worth celebrating, and it was a privilege to help recognize this remarkable milestone and thank them for their service to our nation.
My team was also proud to participate in the Hernando County Community Coalition’s discussion about unmet needs in our community and how local leaders, organizations, and community partners can work together to address them. These conversations are important because the best solutions often come from bringing people together, sharing ideas, identifying gaps, and working collaboratively to ensure our neighbors have access to the resources and support they need.
Additionally, my team enjoyed attending The Lead Exchange in Pasco County and connecting with local business and community leaders. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy - creating jobs, driving innovation, and strengthening our communities. Events like this provide a great opportunity to build relationships, exchange ideas, and hear directly from the people working every day to keep Pasco County’s economy strong and growing.
Constituent Corner
We recently received this message from a constituent after my team helped with arrange a Community Care appointment for him.
I want to send my deepest thank you to Congressman Bilirakis and his staff for assisting me with the VA Community Care for physical therapy. It is very much appreciated. The VA physical therapy department was quick to respond and I am attending therapy at this week. Thank you so much for your assistance in this matter.
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!
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