Dear Neighbor, 

Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with many constituents in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties during the District Work Period.  I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from those I met with about how they would like to see us tackle the serious problems our nation is facing, and I will keep their views in mind when I return to DC later this week.   Please continue reading to learn more about my efforts on your behalf!

Making Washington Work for You:  There was a recent news segment during which a local pediatrician discussed concerns about the harmful impact of social media use on children.  This is an issue I've been working on for many months in Washington as part of our national privacy standard legislation.  Please be assured that I will continue pressing Big Tech to implement device controls that allow parents to keep their kids safe.

Securing the Border: The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently announced that 176,205 more illegal immigrant encounters at the southern border in January – a new record that brings the total number of illegals entering since President Biden took office to 8.5 million.  It is clear that this is a crisis and I will continue working to force the Biden Administration to enforce the rule of law and secure the border.  I've already co-sponsored the strictest border security measure that has ever passed the House,  HR 2.  I've already voted to impeach DHS Secretary Mayorkas, and I've committed to using the power of the purse as leverage to make sure this Administration starts doing the right thing.  No more excuses - it is time to secure the border!  

Learning from You Here at Home: Cabot Citrus Farms is an incredible economic development opportunity for Hernando
County and the entire Nature Coast Region. When touring the site currently under renovation, we discussed my work as Co-Chairman of the Travel and Tourism Caucus and programs that are available to help attract international tourists to beautiful destinations throughout the country. I look forward to working on this important project with local leaders.

I also had the chance to meet with Hernando School Board Member Mark Johnson. I appreciated hearing his vision for reducing overcrowding and developing a high end technical academy to boost local economic development while offering students challenging learning opportunities.

It was wonderful to speak to local business owners in downtown Dade City.  I appreciate Mayor James Shive taking the time to show me the progress being made and discuss the issues facing residents and business owners.  

We had a great turn-out for our East Pasco and Hernando Senior Forum. Our presenters did a wonderful job warning seniors about the use of AI technology in scams, educating participants on the
developments being made in the fight against cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and providing critical information about resources available in the community to help seniors live with dignity as they age in their homes. A special thanks to everyone who participated! Within the next week, a recording of the session will be uploaded to my website for anyone wishing to access the resources provided.

Additionally, I appreciated Parrott Middle School in Hernando County inviting me to come speak with 7th graders about the role of a Member of Congress. These bright students had such wonderful questions and were so eager to learn!

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.

My team proudly attended Fallen Officers Memorial Fund Gala which helps the surviving families of law enforcement officers in Pasco, Pinellas, Hernando, Citrus and Hillsborough counties who are killed in the line of duty.  

My team also celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the East Pasco Meals on Wheels Program which does a tremendous job delivering nutritious meals to homebound seniors.  

 
Additionally, my team participated in this month's Pasco Aging Network meeting.  This group of dedicated professionals and community advocates meet regularly to discuss the unmet needs of seniors in our community and to collaborate on how to meet those needs. 

Constituent Corner

I recently received this message from a constituent after my team helped get him an x-ray appointment through the VA. 

Please let Gus know that I'm grateful for his office's help.  I had been getting the run around in trying to schedule an xray through the NPR VA clinic. I'm in pain and my doctor can't treat me until I get the xray - but I was told the earliest appt. was in 5 weeks.  After calling his office, I got a call from the VA and I got into the VA within two days.  Now my doctor is better able to help me with medication and physical therapy.  Very 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,

Gus Bilirakis
Member of Congress