Gus Bilirakis

Gus Bilirakis was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives on November 7, 2006. He succeeded his father, Michael Bilirakis, who had represented Florida’s 9th congressional district for over two decades. Gus Bilirakis's election marked the continuation of the Bilirakis family's political legacy in Florida. His campaign focused on issues such as national security, healthcare, and veterans' affairs. Bilirakis's victory was seen as a successful handover of the congressional seat from father to son.

On January 3, 2007, Gus Bilirakis was sworn into the 110th Congress as the representative for Florida's 9th congressional district. His early legislative efforts included issues related to security and veterans' affairs. Bilirakis quickly became involved in committees pertinent to his district's interests, including the Homeland Security Committee. His presence in Congress signified the start of the Bilirakis family’s second generation of political service in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Gus Bilirakis played a significant role in supporting the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) to Hire Heroes Act, which was introduced in 2011. The VOW Act aimed to provide training and education for veterans transitioning to civilian life, as well as improve employment opportunities through incentives for employers. Bilirakis's advocacy for this legislation highlighted his commitment to veterans’ affairs, a recurring emphasis throughout his political career given his district's substantial veteran population.

As part of his work in the House, Gus Bilirakis introduced the Tsunami Warning, Education, and Research Act of 2015. This bill sought to enhance the United States' ability to detect and respond to tsunami threats through improved warning systems and research initiatives. The bill was part of Bilirakis's efforts to address natural disaster preparedness and highlight the importance of scientific research and public safety in legislative priorities.

Gus Bilirakis co-sponsored the American Law Enforcement Heroes Act, which became law in 2017. This act amended the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to prioritize the hiring of veterans as law enforcement officers using funds from the COPS Program. This legislation supported integrating veterans into civilian life while addressing community policing needs, reflecting Bilirakis's consistent support of law enforcement and veterans' benefits throughout his tenure.

On September 26, 2017, Gus Bilirakis supported the Disaster Tax Relief and Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2017, which provided tax relief to victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. The act also included provisions to extend certain FAA programs. Bilirakis's support underscored his commitment to aiding disaster recovery efforts and ensuring the continuity of crucial infrastructure and services following natural disasters.

In October 2018, Gus Bilirakis supported the Patients' Right to Know Drug Prices Act, which aimed to prevent 'gag clauses' in contracts between pharmacies and insurers or pharmacy benefit managers that kept consumers from knowing about cheaper drug prices. By helping to pass this act, Bilirakis demonstrated his commitment to healthcare transparency and lowering out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs, addressing a major concern for many of his constituents.

Gus Bilirakis voted in favor of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a crucial stimulus package passed in March 2020 to address the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act provided direct payments to individuals, expanded unemployment benefits, and offered aid to small businesses and healthcare providers. Bilirakis's support for this extensive relief measure was part of broader efforts to mitigate the pandemic’s impact on American families and the economy.

Gus Bilirakis introduced the CURE High School Diploma Act in 2021, which aimed to assist students with chronic diseases or disabilities. This act proposed creating a pilot program that would help affected students complete their high school education by accommodating their specific health needs. Bilirakis's introduction of this legislation highlighted his advocacy for educational and healthcare support for vulnerable populations, especially students facing significant health-related challenges.

In June 2023, Gus Bilirakis voted on a resolution to recognize June as Pride Month, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community's contributions and seeking to promote equal rights. The resolution aimed to honor the historic struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and to affirm the community's ongoing fight for equality. Bilirakis's vote was part of broader congressional efforts to acknowledge and validate the importance of diverse communities in the American social fabric.