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Dear Neighbor,
I remain frustrated by my Democrat colleagues who continue to pursue reckless spending and ignoring the struggles that Americans are feeling in this Biden economy. Despite there being some good provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including several I authored, I was forced to vote against the package last week because it prioritizes gender identity and climate priorities among the national security purposes of our military. There is no greater priority than defending our national security, and it is shameful that time and funding would be spent on things like transferring our vehicle fleets to all-electric vehicles or training foreign militaries on gender. In total, the bill increases direct spending by $5 billion over the next ten years, and many of the items funded were wasteful. My colleagues also pushed forward a duplicative and costly national emergency shooter alert program last week. I voted against this measure after speaking with local law enforcement to confirm that our current national emergency alert program, IPAWS, is fully functional and is utilized in all emergencies, including active shooting situations.
When they are not looking for new ways to spend your hard-earned money, my colleagues are continuing to pursue their radical agenda that are inconsistent with the priorities of most Americans. Last week, the Speaker put two extreme, pro-abortion bills on the Floor for a vote. The most egregious of these bills, referenced as the Abortion on Demand until Birth Act, would ensure access to abortions for any reason, at any time in the pregnancy, up to the point of birth! A new survey shows 80% of Americans do not support abortion during the third trimester of pregnancy unless the mother’s life is at risk. Obviously, I voted against these bills. I also implored my colleagues to stop pandering to the extremists in their party and start working on the issues that are hurting all Americans.
Even with these frustrations, last week we saw an important step forward for America's Veterans. We finally passed historic legislation that will make sure Veterans exposed to toxins during their service will get the care and benefits they deserve. It was the culmination of many years of hard work. Please continue reading to learn more about this and other important issues.
I also would like to wish my father, Michael Bilirakis, who turned 92 years old yesterday, a very happy birthday. Our family enjoyed a wonderful time together this weekend celebrating this big milestone!
Fighting for Our Heroes
Inspired by the story of my constituent, Lauren Price, I first filed comprehensive burn pit legislation to establish presumption of service connection for burn pit-exposure, in 2018. Lauren developed a terminal illness due to her exposure to burn pit toxins in Iraq. Despite her illness, she was passionate about making sure her brothers and sisters-in-arms would finally be able to access the medical care and benefits they had earned. Lauren worked tirelessly to help me craft legislation and testified at multiple Congressional hearings. Since 2018, I’ve continued to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate to push this critical issue forward. Last week, we were finally able to get the legislation, the PACT Act, across the finish line. It should be awaiting the President’s signature very soon. As I cast my vote in favor of the package, I couldn’t help but think of Lauren who lost her battle last spring.
I also was thinking of another constituent, Lonnie Kilpatrick, the namesake of legislation I authored (HR 3668) to extend the presumption of Agent Orange exposure to those who served in Guam. This important provision was also included as part of the PACT Act. Lonnie spent years battling the VA to prove his service-connected exposure because his records were sealed by the Department of Defense (DOD). After my personal intervention in Lonnie’s case, the DOD was able to privately confirm to the VA that Lonnie had indeed been exposed. Subsequently, the VA approved his retroactive disability claim just days before Lonnie succumbed to his illnesses. Lonnie died knowing that his family would receive the lump sum to which he was entitled. However, he implored me to make sure his fellow Veterans didn’t have to face similar fights when trying to access the benefits they earned.
May Lauren and Lonnie’s service and sacrifice never be forgotten, and because of their advocacy, may other Veterans be spared from having to endure the same hardships they faced upon returning home from the battlefield.
Last week, I also sponsored an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which passed the House. It will expand SPACE-A travel benefits to qualifying Veterans’ caregivers. I’ve heard from several 100% disabled Veterans seeking to use this travel benefit that they are unable to do so unless their caregiver is permitted to accompany them. Once this provision is signed into law, it will have a positive impact on the lives of our nation’s heroes.
Despite these big wins, I was extremely disappointed that Democrats on the House Rules committee blocked another measure I offered to help Veterans. One of my amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which had widespread, bipartisan support would have incorporated my bill, the Major Richard Star Act, into the larger annual defense package. It would have rectified the injustice of concurrent receipt for more than 50,000 combat-injured Veterans. Click here to learn more. Rest assured that I will continue fighting for these heroes.
Protecting our Children
Snapchat’s new feature allowing users to access someone’s exact location is a child predator’s dream. Instead of being part of the solution to better protect children, they are making it easier for children to become victims of crime. We must hold Big Tech accountable for doing better.
Understanding the Pain of Inflation
In a new poll, more than 60% of Americans believe the federal government is responsible for the economic pain they are experiencing. They are right; one party-rule in Washington has had catastrophic consequences for families. As seen in this article, an increase in homelessness has been one devastating impact of inflation.
While the President may try to point to inflation as a global trend, this analysis from the San Francisco Fed finds that U.S. core inflation is higher than other nations – and attributes a part of it to President Biden’s decision to continue unemployment bonuses and government stimulus after the pandemic receded. Given these staggering facts, it is not surprising that 80% of Americans believe of country is on the wrong track…we are!
Restoring American Energy Independence
While working in the district earlier this month, I heard from countless constituents who were appalled by the Biden Administration’s un-American decision to ship oil from our strategic stockpile to other countries, while doing nothing to ease pain at the pump by increasing domestic production. Click here to watch me sharing their concerns on the House Floor. It is tragic that the Biden Administration cares more about catering to extremists in the Democrat party than it does about the negative impact felt by Americans who are paying absurd costs for fuel. We have to put Americans' needs first and restore American energy independence.
Saving Lives by Securing the Border
In 2021, Florida led the nation with the highest number of fentanyl deaths. Record amounts of this deadly drug continue to flow into our country because of President Biden’s open border policies. We must secure the border to save lives!
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!
Owners Erik and Jeweliy Carvotta celebrated the opening of Salty Turtle Tours in Tarpon!
Constituent Corner
My office recently received the following message from a constituent after my staff was able to get him an emergency appointment to expedite his passport.
James, you saved the trip. Brilliant, Merci, danke!
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! |
