News From Congressman Bilirakis

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January 7, 2024

Dear Neighbor,

I hope that all of my Orthodox brothers and sisters had a wonderful Epiphany celebration this weekend. May the joy and hope that accompanies this holy day stay with each of you throughout the year!

As I prepare to return to Washington, DC this week, I do so with a full understanding of the issues that are most important to my constituents and their families. Please be assured I will continue to fight on your behalf as we advance these priorities and tackle the challenges that lie ahead.

Making Washington Work for You: : I am proud of the progress my colleagues and I have made as we work to ensure a nation that is safe.  

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However, we must remain vigilant to new and emerging threats from China and other adversaries and take a pro-active stance that will help protect all Americans.  This starts with securing our border, supporting our nation’s heroes, enforcing the rule of law and stabilizing our energy security. Addressing these national security issues will continue to be one of my top priorities this year.

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Please know that whatever budget proposal we consider this month to continue government operations must contain meaningful border security measures in order to garner my support. 

Also,  Democrats’ soft on crime policies have also made our communities less safe. We need to hold those who care more about pursuing a woke agenda than enforcing the rule of law accountable.  And, we must always continue to back the blue! 

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Energy Security is National Security and in 2024, I will continue to pursue robust policies that secure America's energy future and provide a competitive advantage against China - the world's top carbon polluter. We must also modernize our infrastructure and ensure America continues to lead the world in reducing emissions- while keeping energy costs low for Americans. 

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During his tenure, President Biden has drained our SPR to historic lows.  Preventing him from being able to continue this reckless behavior will continue to be one of my priorities in 2024.    


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Restoring American Energy Independence will also continue to be one of my priorities in 2024. I firmly support an "all of the above" energy strategy that includes increasing domestic production, providing incentives for the development of renewable resources, and promoting conservation.  Click here to learn more about a bill I've authored to encourage creativity in achieving this goal.   New and emerging technologies will allow the United States to better harness the existing swath of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources that are available. 

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Restoring Fiscal Sanity:  This Congress, my colleagues and I have done meaningful work in thwarting Democrats’ reckless spending proposals.

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However, we must build upon this success in 2024 by continuing to implement sound, commonsense policies that will help us restore fiscal sanity. 

Securing A Future that is Free:  Freedom is the most basic principle upon which our nation is founded. While we have worked hard to create a future that is built on freedom, we must continue to ensure this remains a top priority in 2024. 

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Creating a Government that is Accountable:  Oversight is one of the most critical responsibilities of Congress.  In 2023, my colleagues and I made progress in restoring accountability.  However, we must keep pushing forward on this important issue. 

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In 2024, my colleagues and I will keep working to deliver on our promise to America to create an economy that is strong, a future that is free, a nation that is safe and a government that is accountable.  I encourage my Senate colleagues to embrace a similar America first agenda!

Learning from You Here at Home:  Last week, I was honored to join Senator Scott and local Jewish community leaders to discuss the disturbing rise in Anti-Semitism throughout the country.  As Co-Chair of the International Religious Freedom Caucus, I stand firmly with Israel in the wake of the deadly terror attacks savagely perpetrated by Hamas. Israel has the right to exist as the nation for the Jewish people, and the right to fight against threats to that existence. Hamas, and the people that support it, reveal themselves once again for what they are, despicable Anti-Semites that want to see the nation of Israel burn.  In recent years, we have seen an alarming rise in Anti-Semitic rhetoric and behavior that is both disgusting and dangerous.  I have implored the Biden Administration to use every tool at its disposal to protect Jewish students on college campuses throughout the country which have been a breading ground for some of the most disturbing Anti-Semitic rhetoric and behavior.  The darkest moments in human history have come when people remain silent in the face of oppression, violence, bigotry and injustice. We must eradicate its presence around the globe, and we must always continue to support our most steadfast ally in the face of such aggression and violence.   Americans must never forget that many of Israel’s enemies around the globe also openly advocate for the demise of our country. 

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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.

Congratulations to Bridge 4 Veterans, a local non-profit working to eradicate Veteran homelessness, for securing a new location in Homossasa.  My team was honored to attend their recent open house and ribbon cutting. 

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My team also attended the Grand Opening of a new senior living facility that will cater to Veterans, the Canopy at Beacon Groves in Hudson.

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Additionally, my team attended the most recent Hernando County School Board meeting to learn more about issues impacting our youth.

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Constituent Corner

My office recently received this message from a constituent after my team helped obtain her father's military records. 

I just want to thank Joanne in your New Port Richey office.  Not only was she able to obtain a copy of my dad's military records within three days - she showed such compassion for our family's difficulty coping with his dementia.  The paperwork she secured will help us prove eligibiltiy for a VA nursing home.  Our whole family will always be grateful!  

 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,
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Gus Bilirakis
Member of Congress

Rep. Gus Bilirakis | 2354 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515
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