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Dear Neighbor,
At a time when Americans are facing extreme difficulty grappling with the highest rates of inflation in more than 40 years, gas that exceeds $5 per gallon, workforce, formula and food shortages, skyrocketing crime, and unprecedented illegal border crossings, House Democrats continue to ignore these urgent matters and instead only seem interested in engaging in blame games and deflection. The truth is Democrats’ failed policies have led to one crisis after another and are hurting every American. Yet they keep doubling down on the reckless spending that is fueling these problems.
Last week, the Speaker brought three bills to the Floor for consideration. The first allocated $1.3 billion in annual mandatory spending to create a new regulatory agency to protect endangered species. This is the type of tone-deaf policy proposal that leaves Americans believing that Democrats are out-of-touch with the issues that are affecting them most.
The second bill brought up for consideration was the Financial Services Racial Inclusion and Economic Justice Act, which targets the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve is seen as an independent, non-political, agency tasked with managing our nation’s monetary policy. It is in charge of tackling inflationary pressures by adjusting interest rates and the cost of money lending. While the Reserve is currently engaged in trying to tame the largest inflation rate in over 40 years, House Democrats are pushing to divert Reserve resources away from addressing an impending recession, to prioritize the agency’s focus on racial equity, inclusion, and economic justice. Inflation coupled with recession hurts all Americans, regardless of race, and turning the Federal Reserve into a social justice warrior will only serve to compound the hurt for everyone during these trying times.
The third measure brought to the Floor last week was the Lower Food and Fuel Prices Act. Despite a promising-sounding name, this bill was more deflection. In essence, it simply blames the private meat and poultry industry for the increased prices we are enduring.
Another noticeable attempted distraction is the sham January 6th hearings made during Prime Time TV for obvious partisan distraction, not fact-finding. It’s no secret I voted against the creation of this panel. It was clear from the onset that Speaker Pelosi had no interest in an open and unbiased review of what occurred that day when she denied all Republican-named nominees to the panel. Sadly, it has been overwhelmingly evident that my fears were justified, as this panel has been politicized at every turn. It is such a charade that they have already been caught doctoring "evidence" to fit their narrative. Any doubt that this would be anything more than a bogus made-for-TV drama was put to rest almost immediately when footage surfaced that the sham committee was relying on teleprompters. I make no apologies for anyone engaged in violence and believe those who broke the law should be appropriately punished by the judicial system after receiving due process.
Please be assured that I will not be distracted. I will remain focused on solutions to the problems that are most impacting my constituents and getting our country moving in a positive direction again. Specifically, I’ll keep fighting to rein in reckless government spending, address supply chain problems and product shortages, restore American energy independence through increased domestic production, and remove regulatory barriers that are keeping small businesses from being able to grow. If House Democrats had any sense of urgency or decency, they would join me and my Republican colleagues to get to work ASAP.
Honoring Dad
Being a father has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. This Father’s Day, I am reminded how fortunate my sons and I are to be able to celebrate with my dad, Michael Bilirakis, who will turn 92 next month. He has always been a great friend, role model, and teacher. Most importantly, he taught me to prioritize faith, family, country, and service to others above all else. I hope all of the fathers in our community are able to spend today enjoying their loved ones.
Stopping the Pain
Inflation continues to rise, with May’s rate surging to 8.6%. This is not new news to Americans who see the price of basic goods and services continuing to skyrocket with no end in sight.
Experts are now predicting that Bidenflation will cost Americans an extra $5,200 this year. Also, for the first time ever, the national average for a gallon of gas is over $5.00. Americans can no longer afford Democrats’ radical, green energy agenda and attack on domestic production. Instead of focusing on this urgent problem, President Biden and Congressional Democrats continue to deflect and distract.
Removing Barriers to Travel
Thankfully, the Biden Administration has finally ended the arbitrary COVID testing requirements for those entering the United States. This burdensome regulation cost many Americans a significant amount of money and a great deal of hassle as they attempted to re-enter our country, and it negatively impacted international tourism. As Co-Chairman of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus, I am glad to see America open for business again!
Protecting Your Privacy
In last week’s Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee, Chair Schakowsky and I unveiled our bipartisan bill to strengthen privacy protections to keep all Americans’ personal data more secure. Click here to learn more!
Defending Life- A Popular Proposition
As we await the Supreme Court’s ruling on a historic abortion case, a new Pew Research Poll has confirmed that the majority of Americans disagree with Democrats’ radical abortion-on-demand until birth agenda. According to the poll, the majority of adults agree with some level of abortion restrictions.
Keeping our Kids and Communities Safe
Last week, I was honored to accept this year’s Promise Champion Award from the Sandy Hook Foundation in recognition of my bipartisan work to improve school safety and ensure children who are at-risk for hurting themselves or others get the help they need.
Helping Veterans
We have seen Veterans throughout the country and here at home struggle to purchase homes in this tight housing market due to some of the constraints of the VA-backed loan program. My colleagues and I are urging the VA to help make the VA home loan program more competitive as compared to conventional home loans.
Demanding Accountability
As energy costs reach all-time highs and are projected to top $6.00 per gallon by the end of summer, President Biden and Congressional Democrats are still pushing their radical green agenda, without concern for how it impacts consumers’ pockets or the reliability of service. Americans deserve specific plans for how the Biden Administration will prevent potential electricity emergencies this summer.
Securing our Border
Our crisis at the southern border continues to worsen by the day. A caravan of 12,000 migrants is headed toward our border. The Biden Administration must be held accountable for stopping this surge! The Department of Homeland Security needs to do its job, enforce the law, and secure our border!
Leveling the Playing Field
I recently met with legendary head coach Steve Spurrier to discuss an important issue in college sports: Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). The Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, which I lead as Ranking Member, has jurisdiction over this growing area of public policy. I appreciated Coach Spurrier’s insight and expertise and will work with my colleagues on a fair and equitable solution.
Celebrating Success
Happy 107th birthday to my constituent, Antoinette “Dorothy” Tribunella! My team was honored to attend your birthday party at the Bear Creek Nursing Home in Bayonet Point. Thank you for inviting us to help you celebrate this special milestone with your family and friends!
Also, congratulations to my constituent, Ben Garrido-Parrish, on receiving the Congressional Award, Silver Medal. The Congressional Award is the highest honor given to youth throughout our country. Recipients have set ambitious goals for themselves in the areas of physical fitness, community service, personal development and exploration. Ben has already made a positive impact on our community, and I am confident he will continue to shine.
Supporting Small Businesses
Weekly, I highlight newly opened or expanded businesses in our community that my team has visited. Congratulations to our newest small business owners and best wishes for your continued success!
Congratulations to Dominick Difante on the Grand Opening of Stonewater Grill, a new, lakefront restaurant in Land O' Lakes.
Also, owner Miuh Nguyen celebrated the opening of Taste of Japan in Tarpon Springs!
Constituent Corner
My office recently received the following message from a constituent.
Thank you so much for your assistance in obtaining the final decision from the VA on my behalf. It is amazing how fast they completed the process once the Congressional Inquiry was submitted! Please pass along my appreciation to Congressman Bilirakis for his continued work on behalf of our Active Duty Military and Veterans. I wish all our Representatives were as supportive and as passionate as he is about those in Uniform!
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! |
