MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Darren Soto (D-FL)

The Sinkhole Mapping Act directs the USGS to conduct studies on mechanisms that potentially contribute to the triggering of sinkholes, as well as open a public website that displays maps depicting zones at greater risk of sinkhole formation

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Daniel Webster (11th District of Florida)

Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, today voted to keep government open and protect hardworking taxpayers by supporting H.R. 1968, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025.
 
“Today I voted to pass H.R. 1968, which ensures we have the tools needed to back President Trump’s agenda to keep the government open, cut wasteful spending, and deliver real, long-term conservative reforms that put America First,” said Rep. Webster.
 
“While I typically oppose short-term funding measures, this legislation rejects the Washington presumption that nothing can be cut from the budget in order to fund priorities without increasing the deficit. H.R. 1968 reduces overall federal spending for Fiscal year 2025, while strengthening border security, providing critical funding for service members and veterans, and protecting American taxpayers. I will continue working alongside President Trump and my Republican colleagues to advance conservative policies that stop the spigot of spending, protect taxpayer, and put America First.”
 
Highlights of H.R. 1968 Include:

• Ensuring government spends less this year than last year by cutting $13 billion from non-defense spending.
• Providing the Department of Defense with additional resources to counter international threats and safeguard the United States. 
• Increasing salary for junior enlisted service members.
• Supporting President Trump’s immigration enforcement work with $485 million for detention facilities and transporting deportees.
• Rescinding over $20 billion that was approved by then-President Biden’s so-called Inflation Reduction Act.
• Providing for our veterans exposed to toxins with $6 billion in funding for the Toxic Exposure Fund, fully addressing the needs of our veterans. 
• Helping vulnerable mothers and children by approving $425 million for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and $7.6 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.
• Extending the operations of Community Health Centers and Medicare telehealth which were set to expire.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Daniel Webster (11th District of Florida)

Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, released the following statement regarding The Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, which the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on this week.
 
“I will be voting to pass the Continuing Resolution this week to keep the government running and give President Trump and my Congressional Republican colleagues and I the time needed to enact real, conservative fiscal reforms. While I generally oppose short-term funding measures, the alternative – allowing Democrats to shut down the government – would only create instability and distraction. The CR ensures that we avoid unnecessary disruptions and stay focused on securing our border, reining in wasteful spending, and strengthening our economy. My colleagues and I will continue to fight to restore fiscal responsibility, and I remain committed to delivering long-term solutions that put America first.”
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Daniel Webster (11th District of Florida)

Washington, D.C. — Today, Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, voted to pass H. J. Res. 20, a resolution to overturn the Department of Energy’s (DOE) burdensome regulation on tankless, gas-powered water heaters. 
 
“In its final day, the Biden Administration issued burdensome regulations on water heaters that makes life harder for Americans,” said Rep. Webster. “This rule from former President Biden’s DOE is yet another example of heavy-handed government overreach that ignores the realities of affordability, market availability, and the energy needs of millions of Americans. I will always stand against Washington bureaucrats that try to impose unnecessary regulations that increase costs and reduce choice for Americans.”
 
On December 26, 2024, the Biden Administration’s Department of Energy published a rule that sought to impose new efficiency standards on gas-fired instantaneous water heaters – standards that would have significantly increased costs for consumers while limiting access to reliable and affordable appliances. 
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Daniel Webster (11th District of Florida)

Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, voted to pass H.R. 695, the Medal of Honor Act, legislation that increases the special pension awarded to America’s Medal of Honor recipients. 
 
“The Medal of Honor is awarded to our nation’s service members who demonstrate extraordinary acts of valor, often at a great personal cost,” said Rep. Webster. “This legislation increases the pension for Medal of Honor recipients, ensuring that they receive the dignity and financial security they deserve. We owe our service members a debt we can never repay, and I will always stand for those who have risked everything for our freedoms.”
 
The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest award for military valor in action and is personally presented by the President of the United States. Under current law, Medal of Honor recipients receive a monthly pension of $1,406.73, equating to $16,880.76 annually. H.R. 695 increases the special pension for Medal of Honor Recipients to receive $100,000 annually. 
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Daniel Webster (11th District of Florida)

Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, voted to pass H. Con. Res. 14, a budget resolution that establishes budgetary targets and instructs congressional committees to draft reconciliation legislation that will cut wasteful spending, strengthen our economy, and restore fiscal responsibility in Washington.
 
“This budget resolution is a first, critical step toward implementing President Trump’s full agenda, and delivering on the promises made to the American people,” said Rep. Webster. “House Republicans’ budget resolution paves the way for historic reforms that ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, and Americans can keep their hard-earned dollars, while also strengthening our border security to keep our communities safe.”
 
H. Con. Res. 14 does not cut or fund any specific programs.  Just as hardworking Americans must decide how much of their salary they will spend every year, this resolution sets top-level spending guidelines fiscal years 2025 through 2034. Under the bill, the U.S. deficit must be reduced nearly $1.5 trillion dollars over the next 10 years.  
 
Next steps are for individual Congressional Committees to meet to develop and pass individual legislation that reduces and prioritizes spending in their areas of jurisdiction. The bill directs committees must prioritize spending on programs and policies that will create jobs, revitalize the American economy and unleash American energy.   
 
Webster further remarked, “By rejecting the Washington presumption that nothing can be cut from the budget in order to fund priorities without increasing the deficit, I am confident we can develop a budget that protects key programs and veteran benefits. I cannot support pulling the rug out from Americans that contributed to Social Security and Medicare for decades and now rely on them in retirement. I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress and President Trump to ensure we are delivering results for the American people.” 
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

Washington, D.C. –Nearly two million Americans claim Greek ancestry.  Representatives Bilirakis and Pappas who serve as Co-Chairs of the Hellenic Caucus are joined by their colleagues, including: Representatives Nicole Malliotakis, Chris Smith, Dina Titus, Frank Pallone, Seth Magaziner, Grace Meng and Gabe Amo in sponsoring a resolution to commemorate the 20^4th anniversary of Greek Independence. The resolution emphasizes the hard-fought struggle for independence of the Greek people, and the historic and dynamic relationship that defines the deep American-Hellenic ties.

“It is with great pride that I recognize the 204^thAnniversary of Greek Independence and celebrate Greek and American democracy. Like the American revolutionaries who fought for independence and established this great republic we call the ‘Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave’, Greek freedom fighters began an arduous struggle to win independence for Greece and its people 204 years ago. The lessons the Greeks taught us continue to provide strength to victims of persecution throughout the world today. By honoring the Greek struggle for independence, we reaffirm the values and ideas that make our nation great. Each time I perform my Constitutional duties, I am doing so in the legacy of the ancient Greeks and our American forefathers. We celebrate Greek independence to reaffirm the common democratic heritage we share. As Americans, we must continue to pursue this spirit of freedom and liberty that characterizes both great nations,” said Congressman Bilirakis.

“As we mark the 204th anniversary of Greek Independence, I join my fellow Greek-Americans and colleagues of the Hellenic Caucus in commemorating the beginning of the Greeks’ fight for freedom after nearly 400 years of occupation by the Ottoman Empire,” said Congressman Pappas. “Greece’s courage and determination for independence mirrors the United States’ own fight for sovereignty and further unites our nations with a shared commitment to freedom and to democracy. Today we recognize the anniversary of Greek Independence and honor those lost in the pursuit of freedom.”

“I’m honored to join Rep. Bilirakis and my colleagues in Hellenic Caucus in celebrating the 204th anniversary of Greece’s Independence from the Ottoman Empire. As a vital NATO ally, Greece plays a critical role in bolstering security in the Mediterranean region and its strong military and economic ties with the United States are essential and continue to grow,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis.

“The United States remains steadfast in our bipartisan support for Greece. With this bill, we congratulate the Greek people on their Independence Day, demonstrate our countries’ shared values, and commit to our strong partnership now and in the future. I look forward to many more years of friendship between our countries,” said Representative Pallone.

“On this meaningful anniversary, we recognize the special bond between the United States and Greece and celebrate the boundless spirit of the vibrant Hellenic diaspora,” said Congresswoman Dina Titus. “In Congress, I will ensure the United States remains a steadfast ally and continues to bolster stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.’”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) re-introduced the Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act, which would help the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) recruit and retain the staff necessary to address the significant 200,000-case backlog it currently faces. This bill will be heard in the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee this Wednesday.

“Too often, the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) continues to be a roadblock for timely processing of VA claims,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “The Veteran Appeals backlog unnecessarily delays our nation’s heroes from accessing the benefits they’ve earned and is a concern that has been raised by many of my constituents. Our bill addresses BVA performance and staffing concerns by creating a level playing field with BVA and other federal agencies. When coupled with the quality assurance metrics and accountability measures we have recently pushed, this important piece of the legislation is a key part of the overall solution.”

“Over 30,000 veterans call Louisville home. They deserve a speedy and efficient VA, especially when appealing a denied claim,” said Rep. McGarvey. “I’m proud to champion this bipartisan legislation with Congressman Gus Bilirakis to provide the Board of Veterans’ Appeals with the tools needed to address the claims backlog, retain talented attorneys, and ensure our veterans get the benefits they’ve earned.”

“AFGE and the National Veterans Affairs Council commend Representative Morgan McGarvey and Representative Gus Bilirakis for leading the Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act,” said Douglas Massey, President of AFGE Local 17 which represents Board of Veterans’ Appeals attorneys. “This critical legislation will both raise the career ladder of the dedicated board attorneys who diligently process veterans’ appeals and will improve the recruitment and retention of experienced attorneys at the Board, which will greatly reduce the backlog of Veterans’ appeals.”

The Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) adjudicates appeals on Veteran benefits, such as disability compensation and pension benefits. Though progress has been made, BVA faces a 200,000-case backlog with many citing staff turnover – due to lower relative compensation and lack of support by management – as the cause. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act would raise the promotion potential for outstanding BVA attorneys in non-supervisory roles by about $10,000, which would allow BVA to better recruit and retain staff.  The promotion opportunities for attorneys working on Veterans’ claims have been reduced by VA, despite increased cost of living, which hurts recruitment and retention and means America’s Veterans will wait longer for their claims to be decided.

 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

Washington, DC: –Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA) have reintroduced the Major Richard Star Act alongside Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).   This critical legislation will rectify an injustice that keeps combat disabled Veterans from receiving full military benefits. Currently, over 50,000 medically retired Veterans are forbidden from receiving their full retirement pay and disability compensation. The Major Richard Star Act would repeal this unfair offset, allowing these disabled Veterans to receive both their retirement pay and their disability compensation. The bill is named in honor of Major Richard A. Star—a father, husband, and decorated war veteran who, as a result of his combat-related injuries, was medically retired. Major Star sadly lost his battle with cancer on February 13, 2021.   Today, when the bill was re-introduced, it already had the support of over 185 original cosponsors in the House and 43 in the Senate.  

“The brave men and women who return from serving our country should be able to receive the benefits promised to them. Military retirement pay and service-connected disability compensation are two completely different benefits. One does not diminish the merits of the other,” said Bilirakis. “I am committed to rectifying this injustice for all Veterans, and passage of the Major Richard Star Act will get us one step closer to our goal of ensuring that Veterans receive the benefits they have earned and deserve.”

“After serving and sacrificing for our nation, too many veterans face unnecessary roadblocks in receiving the benefits they need, have earned, and deserve,” said Dr. Ruiz. “The Major Richard Star Act would repeal the unjust law that stands in the way of veterans receiving the military retirement pay and service-connected disability compensation that they have rightfully earned.”

The Major Richard Star Act is endorsed by all leading Veteran Service Organizations throughout the country.

 

 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

CHIA Co-Chairs Bilirakis and Schneider Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reclassify Turkey as a Middle Eastern Country