Dear Neighbor, 

We have so many blessings for which to be grateful.  I am thankful for the health of my family and friends, but also for the privilege of continuing to serve each of you and our community.  I hope you and your families are enjoying a safe and relaxing holiday weekend. 

 Feeling the Pain of Inflation this Holiday Season

As you may have noticed, a flight to visit family and friends for Thanksgiving this year cost an average of 43% more than last year thanks to out-of-control inflation. Families also had to spend significantly more just for the basics, with grocery prices up an average of 12% when compared to last year, and a quarter of Americans opting to forego a traditional Thanksgiving celebration altogether because of the high prices.  House Republicans are prepared to fulfill our commitment to build an economy that is strong by fighting the reckless spending that is fueling the problem.

Securing our Border

As you may be aware, an estimated 5 million migrants have illegally entered the country since President Biden assumed office, including almost 100 people on the Terror Watch List.   The problem continues to worsen by the day because the Biden Administration has repealed successful policies that were discouraging people to break our laws and enter the country illegally.  Recently, the U.S.  Customs and Border Protection Commissioner resigned at the request of Secretary Mayorkas.  America doesn’t need a scapegoat for the catastrophe that is occurring on the border, we need a change in policy.  We need to enforce the rule of law and secure our border as an urgent matter of national security!  

One problem exacerbated by the border crisis is the surge in fentanyl that is flowing in through the border and ravaging communities across our country.  We have to stop the free flow of drugs into our country.  However, we must also end liberal policies that are soft on those who are trafficking this deadly drug, especially to our children!  Click here to read about a recent example of someone being released back into their community after being caught with more than 20,000 fentanyl pills.  

Restoring American Energy Independence

I am fighting to increase production of clean, reliable, American-made energy, which will help ease pain at the pump while strengthening our national security.   I will keep working to secure our energy grid, reduce our reliance on foreign countries for oil, and cut the permitting process time in half for our oil and gas producers.

Protecting Your Privacy

I am also working to provide greater privacy and data security protections for Americans, equip parents with more tools to keep their kids safe online, and stop companies from putting politics ahead of people.  

It is also important to know that federal officials are warning that U.S. educational institutions may see an increased risk this spring semester of cyberattacks.  We should remain vigilant and take precautions to protect the privacy of users.  Click here to learn more about ways to do so! 

Raising Awareness

As someone with a close family member suffering with Alzheimer's disease, I understand the emotional, physical, and financial strain that this horrible disease places on patients, families, and loved ones.   Alzheimer’s disease is a growing public health crisis across the nation.  Without an effective treatment or cure, the impact of Alzheimer's will continue to rise.  A public health approach is necessary to lessen the burden and enhance the quality of life for those living with cognitive impairment and their families.

Celebrating Milestones

My team enjoyed celebrating the 100th birthday of my constituent, Robert Gordon Baine, who is a survivor of WWII and the Korean War!  Happy Birthday, Robert!  Thank you for your service to our country in the United States Army from 1943 to 1963. 

Constituent Corner

My office recently received the following message from a constituent.

I just wanted to know that I finally received my 2020 tax refund after getting help from James in your office.  It is ridiculous that the IRS is taking so long to process returns, but I was grateful that your staff was able to advocate on my behalf and get the issue resolved much more quickly than would have happened without your intervention. Thank you so much!

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