Dear Neighbor,

Inflation continues to ravage our country, with pricing for everything spiraling out of control.   Last week, the national gas price rose to $3.82. U.S. households are also facing an average power bill of $1,359 this winter, the highest since at least 1997. 

This doesn’t have to be the case.  We can tamp down inflation by implementing common sense policies and stopping the reckless spending.  Also, the answer to our energy crisis is not to pump tons of money into Green New Deal style tax incentives for upper income Americans and it is certainly not to beg our adversaries to produce more oil.  Similarly, despite the President’s continued actions, the solution does not lie in squandering our emergency reserves by pumping them into the market to create a temporary, minor reduction in prices.   Those reserves are intended to be used in true emergencies, like a hurricane or other natural disaster…not for political pandering to deflect from the consequences of failed policies.  We can end the Administration’s war on domestic energy production and restore American Energy Independence!  Not only will this help consumers, it will advance our country’s long-term national security.  As part of Our Commitment to America, we have unveiled a plan for rebuilding our economy, renewing our way of life and restoring the American dream.  A key component of the plan is ensuring a nation that is safe!  Continue reading to learn more about this and other issues. 

Ensuring a Nation that is Safe

As part of our Commitment to America, we will ensure a nation that is safe by securing our border, stopping the free flow of fentanyl that is killing far too many Americans, supporting our law enforcement community, and holding Big Tech accountable for doing a better job keeping kids safe online.  

Since President Biden took office, there have been more than 3.5 million illegal crossings into our country, which has enriched and emboldened criminal cartels, and fueled record fentanyl overdoses throughout the country.  We must return to the border policies we know work: ending catch-and-release, finishing the border wall, restarting the successful ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy, and FUNDING law enforcement.

The HALT Fentanyl Act will make the emergency class-wide scheduling order for fentanyl related substances permanent and give law enforcement the tools they need to keep these extremely lethal and dangerous drugs off our streets. Unfortunately, Democrats have blocked consideration of this important initiative three times on the House floor. As we work to create a nation that is safe, we must address record high overdose deaths fentanyl and this is one important step in doing so.   

Unfortunately, our streets are now flooded with lethal fentanyl that resembles candy.  As we approach Halloween, parents should be on high alert for potential danger. 

My colleagues and I are also demanding Big Tech platforms do more to protect children online.  I’m proud to help lead the charge to remove liability protections for claims based on the sale of illegal drugs and child exploitation, and to require companies to implement reasonable content moderation practices to address child trafficking. 

 

We are also working to combat and stop influence from the Chinese Communist Party in American medical research. My colleagues and I have introduced seven bills that will hold the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) accountable for their responsibilities to protect national security, better protect intellectual property from foreign influence, and stop taxpayer dollars from supporting risky gain of function research in China.

Locally, our safety is ensured by countless dedicated public servants who put their lives on the line every time they answer the call of duty.  My team was honored to participate in last week’s Heroes Festival in Port Richey.  We must continue to support the brave men and women who help to keep our community safe!

Supporting Seniors

Doing the right thing for Florida’s seniors is not a partisan issue.  My team enjoyed participating in this month’s Pasco Aging Network meeting.  These community leaders are working together to meet the needs of seniors throughout the county, and we are proud to support their efforts. 

During these difficult times, I want to help make sure struggling seniors are aware of the assistance programs available to them.  Click here to learn more.   If you are senior who needs help, please call my office at 727-232-2921 so we can try to assist you!

Celebrating Success

My team was honored to participate in the 19th Anniversary of the Hope Youth Ranch Learning Academy in Hudson.  This fantastic organization has been providing tremendous care and opportunities for success to at-risk children for almost two decades.

Supporting Small Businesses

Small Business is the backbone of our economy. Each week, I highlight newly opened or expanded businesses in our community that my team or I have visited. Congratulations to these hard-working entrepreneurs and best wishes for their continued success as they realize their American Dream! 

Congratulations to Neil and Wendy of Greenbrook Medical in Hudson on the opening of their third office location.  They offer personalized primary care for seniors.

Constituent Corner

My office recently received the following message from a constituent.

Three years ago I started the process of trying to get a copy of my father's military records so I could help my mother qualify for VA widow's benefits.  No one would help us.  We just got the run around.  I called your office and within three weeks I had what I needed in hand.  This will make a profound difference for my mother who has been struggling on a very limited income since his death.  To simply say thank you seems insufficient, but thank you all the same!  

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!  

Sincerely,

Gus Bilirakis
Member of Congress