Gus Bilirakis

#FL12. #FL Most EffectiveLegislator @HouseGOP Legislator. @HouseCommerce. @GOP Chair of Innovation, Data & Commerce Subcommittee. Husband. Father. Son

[Gus Bilirakis @RepGusBilirakis]

As we celebrate Independence Day and America's 250th Birthday—a historic milestone – we honor those who have fought to ensure freedom, opportunity, and the enduring spirit of the greatest nation on Earth. May we always cherish the blessings of liberty and continue working together to build an even brighter future for generations to come. Happy Fourth of July, and God Bless America! #America250

[Gus Bilirakis @RepGusBilirakis]

This week, Representative Darren Soto and I introduced the “Federal Investment Restrictions on Equipment from Worrisome Authoritarian Linked Locations (FIREWALL) Act. This bipartisan legislation is designed to safeguard America's telecommunications infrastructure from foreign adversaries by prohibiting federal telecommunications funding from being used to purchase fiber-optic cable sourced from countries of concern. The legislation builds upon ongoing efforts to secure U.S. communications networks from foreign threats and prevent hostile regimes from gaining access to critical American infrastructure. America's telecommunications networks are the backbone of our economy, our national security, and our daily lives. As our adversaries become increasingly sophisticated in their efforts to infiltrate critical infrastructure, we must act proactively to protect our communications systems from potential vulnerabilities. The FIREWALL Actensures that taxpayer dollars are not used to subsidize technology sourced from countries that pose a threat to our national security. Rather than waiting until these products are deeply embedded in our networks and facing another costly 'rip and replace' effort, we should take commonsense steps now to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place.

[Gus Bilirakis @RepGusBilirakis]

Applications are NOW OPEN for the 2026 Patriot Games.  Students are invited to compete for a share of $250,000 in scholarships.  They will be featured on ESPN and ABC and be part of America's 250th birthday celebration.  Learn more about how to apply at https://t.co/K9nRPjPEC9

[Gus Bilirakis @RepGusBilirakis]

A special congratulations to the outstanding team at @pascoschools led by Superintendent John Legg and the forward-thinking School Board Members. For the first time since 2008, Pasco has earned an A rating from the State of Florida - and, notably, there are no D or F-rated public schools in the district. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our teachers and support staff across the county. Thank you for your commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed! As you continue preparing for another successful school year, I hope you’ll take a moment to celebrate this well-earned accomplishment.

[Gus Bilirakis @RepGusBilirakis]

America's long history of innovation has been the cornerstone of our economic strength, fueling entrepreneurship, creating high-quality jobs, strengthening our national security, and expanding opportunities for generations of Americans. As transformative technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, advanced communications, biotechnology, and next-generation manufacturing reshape the global economy, maintaining America's leadership in innovation has never been more important. Our nation's leadership is not guaranteed. We must continue investing in cutting-edge research and development, strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chains, protecting American intellectual property, and ensuring our innovators and businesses can compete - and win - on a level playing field. https://t.co/qJDQFGSYAe

[Gus Bilirakis @RepGusBilirakis]

Big win for America's families! The House has passed the KIDS Act, including my Kids Online Safety Act. We're putting kids first by strengthening online protections, empowering parents, and holding Big Tech accountable.

[Gus Bilirakis @RepGusBilirakis]

ICYMI: Every taxpayer dollar should be spent wisely—not stolen by fraudsters. That's why I'm working to crack down on Medicaid waste, fraud, and abuse while protecting benefits for those who genuinely depend on them. Learn more: https://t.co/n9I6Mb5zSh

[Gus Bilirakis @RepGusBilirakis]

As Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month comes to a close, I want to recognize the millions of Americans living with Alzheimer's disease, as well as the family members and caregivers who walk beside them every day. This issue is deeply personal to me. Alzheimer's has impacted my own family, and I have witnessed firsthand the heartbreaking toll this disease takes - not only on those diagnosed, but on the loved ones who care for them. It is a journey marked by uncertainty, sacrifice, and immeasurable strength.
That experience has strengthened my commitment to advancing policies that promote early detection, expand access to innovative treatments, support caregivers, and invest in the research needed to one day prevent and cure this devastating disease. To every family facing Alzheimer's: you are not alone. I will continue fighting to raise awareness, support groundbreaking research, and ensure patients and caregivers have the resources they deserve.

[Gus Bilirakis @RepGusBilirakis]

It was a pleasure to meet with officials from the Veteran Housing Finance Corporation to discuss our shared commitment to expanding safe, stable, and affordable housing opportunities for those who have served our nation. Ensuring that Veterans have access to quality housing is essential to their long-term health, financial stability, and overall well-being. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about their important work and to exchange ideas on how we can strengthen support for Veterans and their families. I look forward to continuing our partnership to ensure every Veteran has the resources and opportunities they deserve after their service to our country.

[Gus Bilirakis @RepGusBilirakis]

All Americans should share my outrage that Medicaid paid $37 billion in improper payments in 2025 alone. Legislation I filed this week, the Medicaid RAC Improvement Act of 2026, will help prevent this abuse. Medicaid serves as a vital lifeline for millions of Americans, and we have a responsibility to ensure every dollar dedicated to the program is used appropriately and reaches those it is intended to help. Protecting Medicaid's integrity is not only about safeguarding taxpayer dollars - it is about ensuring the program remains strong and sustainable for the individuals and families who depend on it. https://t.co/lapOhpw1pq

[Gus Bilirakis @RepGusBilirakis]

I’m proud to continue working to advance this priority through to completion in honor of Major Richard Star’s service and sacrifice, ensuring his legacy is reflected in meaningful action and lasting results for those who served and sacrificed for our nation.

[House Committee on Veterans' Affairs @HouseVetAffairs]

This week, House Republicans are cutting through the noise to finally fulfill the promise we have made to combat-wounded disabled veterans with action.

Hear it straight from David Star — surviving brother of Maj. Richard Star — on what the Take Care of America's Veterans Act means for his brothers legacy and the thousands of veterans and families like his — our nation's wounded warriors.

"I want to thank Senator Moran and Representative Gus Bilirakis and the other members of the Congress who have come together to deliver this bipartisan bill for our combat disabled veterans,” said David Star, Major Richard Star’s surviving brother. “This bill is named after my late brother Major Richard Star. Richard spent 32 years serving this country as a career Army Reservist. He deployed 9 different times to combat zones. After Richard was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer (linked to burn pit exposure while deployed) he was forced to retire with 19 and 1/2 years total active duty time. Despite 9 deployments (and 32 years total service) my brother was denied his earned retirement. Richard worked tirelessly with MOAA to end this unjust offset and dollar for dollar reduction. My family and I are deeply grateful for this renewed opportunity to honor my brother’s legacy and preserve his memory by ensuring his fellow Wounded Warriors receive their earned retirement."

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[Gus Bilirakis @RepGusBilirakis]

It was great to meet with Florida State Representative Adam Anderson to continue our work on the Genomic Answers for Children’s Health Act. I appreciate his leadership at the state level, and I'm proud that our federal legislation builds upon those efforts to help ensure children enrolled in Medicaid who are suspected of having a rare disease or genetic disorder have access to genomic sequencing - a groundbreaking diagnostic tool that has quickly become the standard of care. For far too many families, the search for answers can take years, involving countless medical appointments, unnecessary tests, emotional uncertainty, and significant financial hardship. My Genomic Answers for Children’s Health Act is an important step toward changing that. By expanding access to advanced genomic sequencing and research tools, we can help children receive earlier and more accurate diagnoses, connect them with targeted treatments sooner, and improve health outcomes for those living with rare, complex, and often undiagnosed medical conditions. Every child deserves the opportunity to receive the right diagnosis at the right time, and I look forward to continuing to work with Representative Anderson to advance policies that bring hope and better care to families facing these difficult challenges.

[Gus Bilirakis @RepGusBilirakis]

Thank you to @PascoFireRescue Captain David Garofalo for inviting me to tour Fire Station 13 in Wesley Chapel. I appreciated the opportunity to see firsthand the investments that have been made to enhance firefighter safety and learn more about the challenges our first responders face as they work tirelessly to meet the growing needs of our community. Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect us, and they deserve the tools, resources, and support necessary to do their jobs safely and effectively. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Captain Garofalo and the entire Pasco County Fire Rescue team to ensure they have what they need to keep our communities safe.

[Gus Bilirakis @RepGusBilirakis]

Wishing all the dads in our community a very Happy Father’s Day! Being a father to my four sons has been the greatest blessing and privilege of my life. The values I have tried to pass on to them were first taught to me by my own father, who led by example and showed me the importance of faith, family, hard work, and service to others. I am forever grateful for his guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support. I could never have asked for a better mentor, role model, or friend. This Father’s Day is especially meaningful as I have had the joy of watching two of my sons recently become fathers themselves. Seeing them embrace this new chapter reminds me just how special and rewarding fatherhood truly is. Today, we celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures who help shape the next generation through their love, sacrifice, and dedication. Thank you for all that you do.

[Gus Bilirakis @RepGusBilirakis]

Juneteenth marks an important moment in our nation's history - the day when the news of emancipation finally reached the last enslaved Americans in Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. As we reflect on this day, we honor the resilience, faith, and perseverance of those who endured injustice and helped move our country closer to its founding ideals. We also recognize that America's story is one of continual progress—expanding freedom, protecting opportunity, and striving to build a more perfect Union. May we always cherish the freedoms we enjoy, learn from our history, and remain committed to the principles of liberty, equality, and justice for all.

[Gus Bilirakis @RepGusBilirakis]

I enjoyed the opportunity to tour the Port of Tampa and learn more about the critical role it plays in supporting Florida’s economy, strengthening our supply chain, and creating jobs throughout the region. The Port serves as a vital gateway for commerce and trade, helping connect businesses to domestic and international markets while driving economic growth across our state. I appreciated the chance to meet with Port leaders, hear about their ongoing initiatives, and discuss ways we can continue supporting the infrastructure and investments needed to keep Florida’s economy moving forward. #PortTampaBay #EconomicGrowth #Infrastructure #FloridaJobs

[Gus Bilirakis @RepGusBilirakis]

I was honored to welcome leaders from the Tampa Bay area to Washington, D.C., and escort them to the National Archives, where they had the unique opportunity to view some of America's most treasured founding documents and experience firsthand the history that continues to shape our country today. There is nothing quite like standing before the documents that enshrine our freedoms and reflect the principles upon which our Nation was built. Moments like these serve as a powerful reminder of the responsibilities we share as citizens and leaders to preserve and strengthen the American experiment for future generations. If you are planning a trip to our Nation's Capital, I encourage you to contact my office at least 90 days in advance. My team is always happy to assist constituents in arranging tours of some of Washington's most iconic sites, including the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the National Archives, and other historic landmarks. We would be honored to help make your visit a memorable one!

[Gus Bilirakis @RepGusBilirakis]

I appreciated the opportunity to stand alongside my friend and tireless advocate, Gary Dassatti, in support of the fight against ALS. Gary continues this mission in honor of his lifelong friend, Doug McGuiness, who courageously battled this devastating disease for several years before his passing. Gary's dedication to keeping Doug’s memory alive through advocacy and awareness is truly inspiring. Together, we remain committed to supporting groundbreaking research, raising awareness, and bringing hope to the patients and families affected by ALS as we work toward the ultimate goal of finding a cure.

[Gus Bilirakis @RepGusBilirakis]

I was proud to help honor the 877 exceptional young people from across our Nation who have earned the Congressional Award Gold Medal—the highest honor Congress bestows upon youth for achievement in voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and exploration. These outstanding awardees traveled to the U.S. Capitol to meet with Members of Congress, engage with business and civic leaders, and participate in discussions with experts on topics ranging from STEM education and financial empowerment to travel and exploration. Each of these Gold Medal recipients has demonstrated extraordinary dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to serving others. They have challenged themselves, set ambitious goals, and made meaningful contributions to their communities, proving that the future of our country is in very capable hands. I was especially honored to serve as a panelist for the Travel and Exploration discussion, where we explored how experiencing new places, cultures, and perspectives can broaden horizons, build confidence, and inspire future leaders. Travel has a unique ability to foster curiosity, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.Congratulations to all of this year's Congressional Award Gold Medalists. Your hard work, character, and spirit of service embody the very best of America, and I look forward to seeing all that you accomplish in the years ahead.

[Gus Bilirakis @RepGusBilirakis]

Congratulations to the outstanding students from Florida’s 12th Congressional District who have earned appointments to our nation’s prestigious military service academies. These remarkable young men and women have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, character, and a commitment to serving something greater than themselves.

Abigail Tate (USNA)
Morgan Montayre (USNA)
Miles Slavinsky (USAFA)
Ella Vogel (USAFA)
Elias Beggett (USMA) (Presidential Nomination)
Nicholas Fernandez (USMA)
Logan Grillo (USMMA)
Sean Martin (USNA)

This week, I had the privilege of recognizing their accomplishments and wishing them success as they embark on an exciting new chapter defined by learning, service, leadership, and patriotism. Their dedication and perseverance have earned them the opportunity to join the next generation of military leaders, and I have no doubt they will make our community and our nation proud. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the members of my Military Service Academy Advisory Board for their invaluable service throughout the nomination process. These distinguished volunteers, all graduates of a United States service academy, devote countless hours to reviewing applications, interviewing candidates, and providing thoughtful recommendations to my office. Their commitment helps ensure that the most qualified and deserving students receive consideration for these highly competitive appointments. Thanks to their expertise and dedication, future generations of leaders from our community will continue to answer the call to serve our nation with honor, integrity, and excellence. Congratulations again to this year’s appointees, and best wishes as you begin this extraordinary journey.