Gus Michael Bilirakis

Infrastructure Congressman Bilirakis believes infrastructure is an area where there is a real opportunity to build bipartisan consensus, but not if leaders in the House and Senate insist on using the budget reconciliation process and avoid compromise. Many prior infrastructure proposals would have benefited important local projects in the Congressman's district if implemented. This includes: Additional funding streams and programs for flood risk management; Support for septic to sewer conversions and other water quality initiatives; Reduced traffic congestion and improved hurricane evacuation through expedited approval and reliable funding streams for priority projects; Expanded broadband and fiber connectivity throughout rural communities; Improved permitting processes for critical projects, like the Ridge Road extension. We must never have another public safety project linger for over 20 years; Strengthened protections for the nation's critical infrastructure to better protect against cyberattack The Congressman is optimistic about the chances for bipartisan cooperation that will lead to a much-needed re-investment in the nation as we work to strengthen and modernize its crumbling infrastructure.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Gus secured the wall to choke off the cartels driving human and drug trafficking, passed the Take It Down Act to give law enforcement new tools against AI-generated child sexual abuse material, and brought $3 million in school-safety funding to districts in the new CD 12 footprint this year.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

The Take It Down Act, signed into law, going after predators using AI to victimize kids. Working to empower parents with greater tools to keep kids safe online.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

As a former member of the House Committee on Foreign affairs and current member of the Caucus on International Religious Freedom, Congressman Bilirakis’ desire to support our allies, protect religious freedom, and prevent attacks from our enemies have kept him apprised of major world events.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Standing with Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco's law-enforcement-first approach.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

The Take It Down Act, signed into law, going after predators using AI to victimize kids. Working to empower parents with greater tools to keep kids safe online.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

President Trump followed actions taken in the House and issued an executive order to repeal two regulations for each regulation an agency creates. Reports show that the Trump Administration actually cut 22 regulations for each new one. Meetings with private sector and public utilities say these actions have been a boon to their ability to operate.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Working in a bipartisan manner, his main priorities include controlling government spending, creating jobs for middle class Americans, finding ways for government to operate smaller and smarter, and lowering taxes. He is also committed to strengthening homeland security, improving education, increasing access to quality health care, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, protecting Veterans' benefits, ensuring the long-term viability of Social Security and Medicare, and improving emergency preparedness and response.

energycommerce.house.gov · Sources

Tax Reform The economic success our country experienced just a few short years ago was triggered by historic tax reform signed into law in December of 2017. Before tax reform, individuals and businesses were spending 6.1 billion hours preparing their tax returns. Further, the tax code was often unfair with various tax loopholes and many households not paying federal income tax at all. Congressman Bilirakis is proud of his efforts to modernize the tax code, making the system simpler and providing immediate relief to Middle Class Americans and small businesses, including lowering federal tax rates seniors pay by an average of 3%. The package doubled the standard deduction, lowered the tax rate for all tax brackets, preserved essential deductions, dramatically increased the child tax credit, and included pro-growth policies that will continue to strengthen our economy. Congressman Bilirakis understands that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They are the innovators that employ most Americans. The top tax rate on these businesses is 25%, a significant reduction from the previous 39.6% rate. Additionally, the corporate tax rate has been lowered to 21%. These combined measures have already helped to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, boost wages, and bring back businesses that fled overseas due to our disadvantageous tax system. In fact, tax reform contributed to an increase in GDP of 4.2% and 3.4% in the second and third quarters of 2018, respectively.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Gus secured the wall to choke off the cartels driving human and drug trafficking, passed the Take It Down Act to give law enforcement new tools against AI-generated child sexual abuse material, and brought $3 million in school-safety funding to districts in the new CD 12 footprint this year.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

$3M in school-safety funding for Pasco County Schools this year.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

Working in a bipartisan manner, his main priorities include controlling government spending, creating jobs for middle class Americans, finding ways for government to operate smaller and smarter, and lowering taxes. He is also committed to strengthening homeland security, improving education, increasing access to quality health care, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, protecting Veterans' benefits, ensuring the long-term viability of Social Security and Medicare, and improving emergency preparedness and response.

energycommerce.house.gov · Sources

While education is primarily an issue that is governed by individual state legislatures, the Congressman has been supportive of the federal government's role in ensuring equity for students from low socio-economic backgrounds and for those students with special needs. As such, he has regularly supported increases in Title I and IDEA funding. The Congressman is also a long-time proponent of Career, Technical and quality Apprenticeship education programs, and has supported legislation to strengthen the opportunities for students throughout the nation. Congressman Bilirakis has also previously supported legislation to increase access to higher education by raising the maximum Pell Grant (federal assistance that deserving students do not have to repay) award. He also has voted to improve the Head Start program to help close the learning gap between children from disadvantaged families and their more well-off peers. In the 113th Congress, Bilirakis supported legislation, which is now law, to help make college more affordable by permanently reducing interest rates on federally-subsidized student loans. He also voted in favor of legislation that would return the control of the public school system to localities, by empowering teachers, families, and local school boards.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Congressman Bilirakis has been a long-time proponent of the public education system, both in the Florida Legislature and now in Congress.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Unfortunately, this Administration is moving in the wrong direction when it comes to energy production. Congressman Bilirakis fully supports the House Energy and Commerce Republican plan to secure America's energy future and provide a competitive advantage against China - the world's top carbon polluter. The Congressman believes these solutions will help modernize our infrastructure and ensure America continues to lead the world in reducing emissions- while keeping energy costs low for Americans. These pro-consumer and pro-environmental energy solutions are a far better option for achieving these goals than the job-killing proposals put forth by leading Democrats, such as the Green New Deal, cancelling the Keystone XL pipeline and restricting domestic oil exploration.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Gus is a proven partner for the America First agenda, voting to secure the border, cut taxes for working families and seniors, and unleash American energy, the record that earned him President Trump's full support.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

Congressman Bilirakis firmly supports an "all of the above" energy strategy that includes increasing domestic production, providing incentives for the development of renewable resources, and promoting conservation. New and emerging technologies will allow the United States to better harness the existing swath of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources that are available. The federal government has the responsibility to not pick winners and losers among the various energy sources. Representative Bilirakis is a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which has jurisdiction over federal energy policy. He intends to use this position to work in a bipartisan fashion to eliminate barriers to domestic energy production and encourage economic growth. He has also been a cosponsor of legislation to build the Keystone Pipeline – which would provide an instant boost to domestic energy production that will lower energy costs, ensure less dependence on hostile nations, and create tens of thousands of jobs, in areas where job opportunities are scarce.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Gus's seat on the Energy & Commerce Committee, the oldest and most consequential committee in the House, gives him jurisdiction over health care, energy, telecommunications, consumer protection, and the Affordable Care Act. It's the engine room of the bills that touch every family in Pasco and Hillsborough. From there, Gus has championed seniors, kids, and rare-disease families: the longest-ever KidCare reauthorization, the EASE Act extending telehealth, Medicare reimbursement for marriage and family therapists treating seniors, the Pediatric Cancer Voucher reauthorization, and an expanded federal newborn-screening panel.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is the primary underwriter of flood insurance. Hurricanes over the last decade have placed the program over $23 billion in debt. The program is currently funded but needs reauthorization. Congressman Bilirakis is working in a bipartisan manner to ensure the program does not lapse, as it would be catastrophic for our state and regional housing market and economy.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Unfortunately, this Administration is moving in the wrong direction when it comes to energy production. Congressman Bilirakis fully supports the House Energy and Commerce Republican plan to secure America's energy future and provide a competitive advantage against China - the world's top carbon polluter. The Congressman believes these solutions will help modernize our infrastructure and ensure America continues to lead the world in reducing emissions- while keeping energy costs low for Americans. These pro-consumer and pro-environmental energy solutions are a far better option for achieving these goals than the job-killing proposals put forth by leading Democrats, such as the Green New Deal, cancelling the Keystone XL pipeline and restricting domestic oil exploration.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Gus filed the Homeowners Premium Tax Reduction Act, an above-the-line $10,000 tax deduction on homeowners insurance premiums for a primary residence, and is fighting for an Anclote River Basin study to attack the flooding driving repetitive-loss premiums in the first place.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

Gus secured $585 million in federal disaster-recovery funding for Pasco County, usable for direct hurricane relief and for the long-term infrastructure work needed to fortify the county against the next storm.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

The Congressman wants clean air, clean water, and environmental protection; but as he explains below, those things do not have to be achieved at the expense of jobs, prosperity, and national security. He also is very supportive of protecting Florida's pristine environmental resources, improving water quality, and addressing resiliency issues.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

$585M in federal disaster-recovery dollars flowing into Pasco County after Helene & Milton.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

Infrastructure Congressman Bilirakis believes infrastructure is an area where there is a real opportunity to build bipartisan consensus, but not if leaders in the House and Senate insist on using the budget reconciliation process and avoid compromise. Many prior infrastructure proposals would have benefited important local projects in the Congressman's district if implemented. This includes: Additional funding streams and programs for flood risk management; Support for septic to sewer conversions and other water quality initiatives; Reduced traffic congestion and improved hurricane evacuation through expedited approval and reliable funding streams for priority projects; Expanded broadband and fiber connectivity throughout rural communities; Improved permitting processes for critical projects, like the Ridge Road extension. We must never have another public safety project linger for over 20 years; Strengthened protections for the nation's critical infrastructure to better protect against cyberattack The Congressman is optimistic about the chances for bipartisan cooperation that will lead to a much-needed re-investment in the nation as we work to strengthen and modernize its crumbling infrastructure.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Our nation is threatened by a debt crisis that has been caused by unrestrained federal deficits that if unchecked, will threaten economic prosperity and job growth. This year, we are expected to spend more in interest on our national debt than we do to protect and defend our country. Our federal spending programs must be carefully examined so that wasteful and duplicative programs are eliminated in order to make government more efficient and accountable. President Trump followed actions taken in the House and issued an executive order to repeal two regulations for each regulation an agency creates.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Infrastructure Congressman Bilirakis believes infrastructure is an area where there is a real opportunity to build bipartisan consensus, but not if leaders in the House and Senate insist on using the budget reconciliation process and avoid compromise. Many prior infrastructure proposals would have benefited important local projects in the Congressman's district if implemented. This includes: Additional funding streams and programs for flood risk management; Support for septic to sewer conversions and other water quality initiatives; Reduced traffic congestion and improved hurricane evacuation through expedited approval and reliable funding streams for priority projects; Expanded broadband and fiber connectivity throughout rural communities; Improved permitting processes for critical projects, like the Ridge Road extension. We must never have another public safety project linger for over 20 years; Strengthened protections for the nation's critical infrastructure to better protect against cyberattack The Congressman is optimistic about the chances for bipartisan cooperation that will lead to a much-needed re-investment in the nation as we work to strengthen and modernize its crumbling infrastructure.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Representative Bilirakis strongly believes that Congress must make serious fiscal reforms to ensure our financial stability while still ensuring that we uphold the commitments we have made to our seniors. He is absolutely opposed to legislation that will cut Social Security or Medicare for seniors. He understands many seniors live on a fixed income and have struggled with recent spikes in inflation.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Gus delivered the new $6,000 senior tax exemption, championed no tax on tips and no tax on overtime, and continues to push affordability legislation that puts money back in working families' pockets, including ending taxation on Social Security, lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and his new homeowners insurance deduction.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

Gus secured $2 million to expand mental-health services at FQHCs, brought federal funding to open Vincent House Pasco for those battling mental illness, secured funding for a one-stop behavioral-health hub in Pasco, extended telehealth for seniors through the EASE Act, and expanded the types of licensed therapists who can participate in Medicare.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

From hurricane recovery in Pasco to lower drug costs for seniors, safer schools, stronger borders, and tax relief that puts money back in workers' pockets, Gus's record delivering for us speaks for itself!

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

Gus is leading the fight to expand the federal newborn-screening panel (two new conditions were added at HHS this year) and he secured the reauthorization of the Pediatric Cancer Voucher to fast-track new treatments for sick kids. He also delivered the longest reauthorization of KidCare in the program's history.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

$4 million for Moffitt Cancer Center and nearly $6 million for cancer research at USF in Hillsborough County. $2M to expand mental-health services at Federally Qualified Health Centers. Magnolia Oaks Veterans Housing & Vincent House Pasco, federal dollars Gus delivered. Standing with our veterans, delivering healthcare, housing, and job opportunities. EASE Act, extending telehealth access for seniors. Longest-ever KidCare reauthorization in the program's history. Working to pass the Major Richard Star Act for combat-injured veterans.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

In the 113th Congressman Bilirakis joined the Energy and Commerce Committee. Part of his Committee assignment includes serving on the Health Subcommittee, with jurisdiction over Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act – better known as Obamacare – and the rest of the American health care system.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Gus's seat on the Energy & Commerce Committee, the oldest and most consequential committee in the House, gives him jurisdiction over health care, energy, telecommunications, consumer protection, and the Affordable Care Act. It's the engine room of the bills that touch every family in Pasco and Hillsborough. From there, Gus has championed seniors, kids, and rare-disease families: the longest-ever KidCare reauthorization, the EASE Act extending telehealth, Medicare reimbursement for marriage and family therapists treating seniors, the Pediatric Cancer Voucher reauthorization, and an expanded federal newborn-screening panel.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is the primary underwriter of flood insurance. Hurricanes over the last decade have placed the program over $23 billion in debt. The program is currently funded but needs reauthorization. Congressman Bilirakis is working in a bipartisan manner to ensure the program does not lapse, as it would be catastrophic for our state and regional housing market and economy.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Gus filed the Homeowners Premium Tax Reduction Act, an above-the-line $10,000 tax deduction on homeowners insurance premiums for a primary residence, and is fighting for an Anclote River Basin study to attack the flooding driving repetitive-loss premiums in the first place.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

Taking on skyrocketing homeowners insurance with the Homeowners Premium Tax Reduction Act, up to a $10,000 above-the-line deduction. Fighting for affordable housing so families can afford to stay in the homes and neighborhoods they love. $6,000 senior tax exemption locked in under the new tax law.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

$4 million for Moffitt Cancer Center and nearly $6 million for cancer research at USF in Hillsborough County. $2M to expand mental-health services at Federally Qualified Health Centers. Magnolia Oaks Veterans Housing & Vincent House Pasco, federal dollars Gus delivered. Standing with our veterans, delivering healthcare, housing, and job opportunities. EASE Act, extending telehealth access for seniors. Longest-ever KidCare reauthorization in the program's history. Working to pass the Major Richard Star Act for combat-injured veterans.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

Congressman Bilirakis strongly opposes illegal immigration but, as a grandchild of Greek immigrants, he recognizes the cultural, intellectual, and economic benefit of legal, law-abiding immigrants.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Securing the southern border to choke off cartels driving fentanyl into our communities.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

From hurricane recovery in Pasco to lower drug costs for seniors, safer schools, stronger borders, and tax relief that puts money back in workers' pockets, Gus's record delivering for us speaks for itself!

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

Gus secured the wall to choke off the cartels driving human and drug trafficking, passed the Take It Down Act to give law enforcement new tools against AI-generated child sexual abuse material, and brought $3 million in school-safety funding to districts in the new CD 12 footprint this year.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

Gus is a proven partner for the America First agenda, voting to secure the border, cut taxes for working families and seniors, and unleash American energy, the record that earned him President Trump's full support.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

Congressman Bilirakis does not support amnesty or allowing those who have broken our nation's immigration laws to begin a path to citizenship. He believes in the rule of law, and that we must not reward those who have come here illegally. Congressman Bilirakis has voted against these partisan amnesty bills because they do nothing to fix the issues in our immigration system. Providing large scale amnesty without fixing the problems in our immigration system would only encourage more people to illegally migrate to the United States, exacerbating an already crisis level issue at the border. Congressman Bilirakis believes that Congress must work in a bipartisan manner to ensure that immigration reform proposals protect our national security, meet our economic needs, and adhere to American values. He also believes that children who are brought to our country, regardless of the circumstances should be treated with dignity, respect, and the sensitivity required to ensure their physical and emotional wellbeing. And, he supports keeping families intact.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

The Congressman is also open to allowing renewal of DACA, if it is tied to ending chain migration; the visa lottery system; enhanced penalties for deported criminals who return to the U.S.; and border protection. In a previous Congress, he cosponsored the Securing America's Future Act, which provides a 3 year renewable legal status for DACA children, while implementing the above border security initiatives as well as other provisions. Unfortunately, this bill failed to pass the House. Additionally, Congressman Bilirakis does not support sanctuary cities, and has voted to stop federal funds from supporting these cities in the past. Congressman Bilirakis will continue to work toward a sensible immigration policy that rewards those who obey the law and promotes legal immigration to attract the best and brightest people to our nation.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Gus secured $585 million in federal disaster-recovery funding for Pasco County, usable for direct hurricane relief and for the long-term infrastructure work needed to fortify the county against the next storm.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

$585M in federal disaster-recovery dollars flowing into Pasco County after Helene & Milton.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

Infrastructure Congressman Bilirakis believes infrastructure is an area where there is a real opportunity to build bipartisan consensus, but not if leaders in the House and Senate insist on using the budget reconciliation process and avoid compromise. Many prior infrastructure proposals would have benefited important local projects in the Congressman's district if implemented. This includes: Additional funding streams and programs for flood risk management; Support for septic to sewer conversions and other water quality initiatives; Reduced traffic congestion and improved hurricane evacuation through expedited approval and reliable funding streams for priority projects; Expanded broadband and fiber connectivity throughout rural communities; Improved permitting processes for critical projects, like the Ridge Road extension. We must never have another public safety project linger for over 20 years; Strengthened protections for the nation's critical infrastructure to better protect against cyberattack The Congressman is optimistic about the chances for bipartisan cooperation that will lead to a much-needed re-investment in the nation as we work to strengthen and modernize its crumbling infrastructure.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Ridge Road The Congressman is relieved that the Ridge Road project was finally permitted and has opened. This project is necessary for the safety and timely evacuation of both Pasco and Pinellas residents. There are currently only two east/west routes that can evacuate our coastal residents inland during a storm. Even worse, one of those routes is prone to flooding and can bottleneck to one lane during a storm. This is dangerous and unacceptable. The Congressman worked closely with Pasco County officials, the Army Corps and President Trump in order to expedite approval of the permit. When a funding snag arose amid construction, Congressman Bilirakis stepped in and worked with the state to ensure the project could progress.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Despite the budgetary and fiscal climate, it is imperative the security and long-term success of the country is not sacrificed through arbitrary cuts to the military's budget. Our country is a beacon of liberty and freedom with interests across the globe, and there is no doubt non-state actors and foreign governments have interests that are hostile to those of the United States. The United States must stand ready and capable to respond to potential threats. Representative Bilirakis understands the importance of providing our brave men and women of the Armed Forces with the resources they need, and to ensure the Department of Defense (DOD) has the ability to develop new technologies and maintain existing infrastructures to meet those emerging threats.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Congressman Bilirakis believes it is his duty to provide the resources that the military and law enforcement experts deem necessary in order to keep our country safe from those who wish to do us harm. Congressman Bilirakis believes that his constituents send him to Washington to get things done, and he is proud of the fact that his amendments to the NDAA passed with bipartisan support. These amendments focused on helping Veterans with burn pits exposure and increasing safety and stability of the Eastern Mediterranean in the face of the increasingly destabilizing force of Turkey. The NDAA provided vital resources that are needed for readiness and safety. These are integral to our nation's continued security.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

In the Constitution, Congress is tasked with the responsibility to raise and support our country’s national defense. Congressman Bilirakis is proud to support our nation’s women and men in uniform and understands the important role Congress plays in protecting the freedoms of our democracy.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

As a former member of the House Committee on Foreign affairs and current member of the Caucus on International Religious Freedom, Congressman Bilirakis’ desire to support our allies, protect religious freedom, and prevent attacks from our enemies have kept him apprised of major world events.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Representative Bilirakis strongly believes that Congress must make serious fiscal reforms to ensure our financial stability while still ensuring that we uphold the commitments we have made to our seniors. He is absolutely opposed to legislation that will cut Social Security or Medicare for seniors. He understands many seniors live on a fixed income and have struggled with recent spikes in inflation.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Gus delivered the new $6,000 senior tax exemption, championed no tax on tips and no tax on overtime, and continues to push affordability legislation that puts money back in working families' pockets, including ending taxation on Social Security, lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and his new homeowners insurance deduction.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

Co-sponsored legislation to eliminate taxes on Social Security.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

Taking on skyrocketing homeowners insurance with the Homeowners Premium Tax Reduction Act, up to a $10,000 above-the-line deduction. Fighting for affordable housing so families can afford to stay in the homes and neighborhoods they love. $6,000 senior tax exemption locked in under the new tax law.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

$4 million for Moffitt Cancer Center and nearly $6 million for cancer research at USF in Hillsborough County. $2M to expand mental-health services at Federally Qualified Health Centers. Magnolia Oaks Veterans Housing & Vincent House Pasco, federal dollars Gus delivered. Standing with our veterans, delivering healthcare, housing, and job opportunities. EASE Act, extending telehealth access for seniors. Longest-ever KidCare reauthorization in the program's history. Working to pass the Major Richard Star Act for combat-injured veterans.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

A great deal of misinformation circulated about tax reform. However, independent researchers at the Tax Foundation estimate that the bill provided an average middle income family in Florida with a gain of $2,252. Under the old scheme, the average senior was in a 15% tax bracket. Under the new reforms, the average senior falls into a 12% bracket, allowing seniors to keep more of their own money and improve their quality of life. The Tax Foundation found that the average middle income person in Congressman Bilirakis's Congressional District saw a tax cut of $1,395. Additionally, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) recently issued a report indicating that the tax reform bill paid for itself.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Congressman Bilirakis supports reforming the tax code, which will eliminate a barrier to economic growth for everyone.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Gus delivered the new $6,000 senior tax exemption, championed no tax on tips and no tax on overtime, and continues to push affordability legislation that puts money back in working families' pockets, including ending taxation on Social Security, lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and his new homeowners insurance deduction.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

Gus filed the Homeowners Premium Tax Reduction Act, an above-the-line $10,000 tax deduction on homeowners insurance premiums for a primary residence, and is fighting for an Anclote River Basin study to attack the flooding driving repetitive-loss premiums in the first place.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

Co-sponsored legislation to eliminate taxes on Social Security.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

From hurricane recovery in Pasco to lower drug costs for seniors, safer schools, stronger borders, and tax relief that puts money back in workers' pockets, Gus's record delivering for us speaks for itself!

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

Gus is a proven partner for the America First agenda, voting to secure the border, cut taxes for working families and seniors, and unleash American energy, the record that earned him President Trump's full support.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

Working in a bipartisan manner, his main priorities include controlling government spending, creating jobs for middle class Americans, finding ways for government to operate smaller and smarter, and lowering taxes. He is also committed to strengthening homeland security, improving education, increasing access to quality health care, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, protecting Veterans' benefits, ensuring the long-term viability of Social Security and Medicare, and improving emergency preparedness and response.

energycommerce.house.gov · Sources

We’ve made real progress on affordability through policies like no tax on tips and overtime, and a new senior tax deduction, but there is still more work ahead to expand opportunity and ease the burden on workers, families, seniors, and small businesses. As Florida's Most Effective Legislator, I remain committed to results-driven leadership and strong constituent service as we work to lower costs, reduce burdensome taxes and regulations, and secure a brighter, stronger future for seniors, Veterans and families throughout Florida's 12th Congressional district and beyond.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

A Balanced Budget Amendment would restrain the unchecked growth in federal spending and force the American government to live within its means, just as families and businesses must do. Congressman Bilirakis has previously voted on a balanced budget Amendment on multiple occasions, but it has failed to get the 2/3 support required to advance. He is supportive of the new House Rules that require flat or reduced spending. We must continue to pass pro-growth legislation and reign in our spending—focusing on what is most essential and streamlining other areas. If we do not take action now, then we risk becoming the first generation to leave our country worse off for our children and grandchildren. Congressman Bilirakis believes that we must implement serious spending reforms to restore the fiscal credibility of the United States at home and in the global market. During these difficult economic times, Americans have had to spend less, and the federal government should do likewise.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Taking on skyrocketing homeowners insurance with the Homeowners Premium Tax Reduction Act, up to a $10,000 above-the-line deduction. Fighting for affordable housing so families can afford to stay in the homes and neighborhoods they love. $6,000 senior tax exemption locked in under the new tax law.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

Our nation is threatened by a debt crisis that has been caused by unrestrained federal deficits that if unchecked, will threaten economic prosperity and job growth. This year, we are expected to spend more in interest on our national debt than we do to protect and defend our country. Our federal spending programs must be carefully examined so that wasteful and duplicative programs are eliminated in order to make government more efficient and accountable. President Trump followed actions taken in the House and issued an executive order to repeal two regulations for each regulation an agency creates.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

A great deal of misinformation circulated about tax reform. However, independent researchers at the Tax Foundation estimate that the bill provided an average middle income family in Florida with a gain of $2,252. Under the old scheme, the average senior was in a 15% tax bracket. Under the new reforms, the average senior falls into a 12% bracket, allowing seniors to keep more of their own money and improve their quality of life. The Tax Foundation found that the average middle income person in Congressman Bilirakis's Congressional District saw a tax cut of $1,395. Additionally, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) recently issued a report indicating that the tax reform bill paid for itself.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Tax Reform The economic success our country experienced just a few short years ago was triggered by historic tax reform signed into law in December of 2017. Before tax reform, individuals and businesses were spending 6.1 billion hours preparing their tax returns. Further, the tax code was often unfair with various tax loopholes and many households not paying federal income tax at all. Congressman Bilirakis is proud of his efforts to modernize the tax code, making the system simpler and providing immediate relief to Middle Class Americans and small businesses, including lowering federal tax rates seniors pay by an average of 3%. The package doubled the standard deduction, lowered the tax rate for all tax brackets, preserved essential deductions, dramatically increased the child tax credit, and included pro-growth policies that will continue to strengthen our economy. Congressman Bilirakis understands that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They are the innovators that employ most Americans. The top tax rate on these businesses is 25%, a significant reduction from the previous 39.6% rate. Additionally, the corporate tax rate has been lowered to 21%. These combined measures have already helped to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, boost wages, and bring back businesses that fled overseas due to our disadvantageous tax system. In fact, tax reform contributed to an increase in GDP of 4.2% and 3.4% in the second and third quarters of 2018, respectively.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Gus secured the wall to choke off the cartels driving human and drug trafficking, passed the Take It Down Act to give law enforcement new tools against AI-generated child sexual abuse material, and brought $3 million in school-safety funding to districts in the new CD 12 footprint this year.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

The Take It Down Act, signed into law, going after predators using AI to victimize kids. Working to empower parents with greater tools to keep kids safe online.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

Infrastructure Congressman Bilirakis believes infrastructure is an area where there is a real opportunity to build bipartisan consensus, but not if leaders in the House and Senate insist on using the budget reconciliation process and avoid compromise. Many prior infrastructure proposals would have benefited important local projects in the Congressman's district if implemented. This includes: Additional funding streams and programs for flood risk management; Support for septic to sewer conversions and other water quality initiatives; Reduced traffic congestion and improved hurricane evacuation through expedited approval and reliable funding streams for priority projects; Expanded broadband and fiber connectivity throughout rural communities; Improved permitting processes for critical projects, like the Ridge Road extension. We must never have another public safety project linger for over 20 years; Strengthened protections for the nation's critical infrastructure to better protect against cyberattack The Congressman is optimistic about the chances for bipartisan cooperation that will lead to a much-needed re-investment in the nation as we work to strengthen and modernize its crumbling infrastructure.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

We’ve made real progress on affordability through policies like no tax on tips and overtime, and a new senior tax deduction, but there is still more work ahead to expand opportunity and ease the burden on workers, families, seniors, and small businesses. As Florida's Most Effective Legislator, I remain committed to results-driven leadership and strong constituent service as we work to lower costs, reduce burdensome taxes and regulations, and secure a brighter, stronger future for seniors, Veterans and families throughout Florida's 12th Congressional district and beyond.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

Congressman Bilirakis believes it is his duty to provide the resources that the military and law enforcement experts deem necessary in order to keep our country safe from those who wish to do us harm. Congressman Bilirakis believes that his constituents send him to Washington to get things done, and he is proud of the fact that his amendments to the NDAA passed with bipartisan support. These amendments focused on helping Veterans with burn pits exposure and increasing safety and stability of the Eastern Mediterranean in the face of the increasingly destabilizing force of Turkey. The NDAA provided vital resources that are needed for readiness and safety. These are integral to our nation's continued security.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources

$4 million for Moffitt Cancer Center and nearly $6 million for cancer research at USF in Hillsborough County. $2M to expand mental-health services at Federally Qualified Health Centers. Magnolia Oaks Veterans Housing & Vincent House Pasco, federal dollars Gus delivered. Standing with our veterans, delivering healthcare, housing, and job opportunities. EASE Act, extending telehealth access for seniors. Longest-ever KidCare reauthorization in the program's history. Working to pass the Major Richard Star Act for combat-injured veterans.

bilirakisforcongress.com · Sources

Infrastructure Congressman Bilirakis believes infrastructure is an area where there is a real opportunity to build bipartisan consensus, but not if leaders in the House and Senate insist on using the budget reconciliation process and avoid compromise. Many prior infrastructure proposals would have benefited important local projects in the Congressman's district if implemented. This includes: Additional funding streams and programs for flood risk management; Support for septic to sewer conversions and other water quality initiatives; Reduced traffic congestion and improved hurricane evacuation through expedited approval and reliable funding streams for priority projects; Expanded broadband and fiber connectivity throughout rural communities; Improved permitting processes for critical projects, like the Ridge Road extension. We must never have another public safety project linger for over 20 years; Strengthened protections for the nation's critical infrastructure to better protect against cyberattack The Congressman is optimistic about the chances for bipartisan cooperation that will lead to a much-needed re-investment in the nation as we work to strengthen and modernize its crumbling infrastructure.

bilirakis.house.gov · Sources