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Congressman Gus Bilirakis

Representing the 12th District of Florida

Important Information for Veterans

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.

Proposals have been made which would reduce our military force structure to pre-World War II levels. 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 there are non-state actors like Al-Qaeda, as well as countries whose interests are hostile or opposed 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. He is a member of the:

  • Anti-terrorism Caucus;
  • Coast Guard Caucus;
  • Mobility Air Forces Caucus;
  • National Guard and Reserve Components Caucus;
  • United Services Organization (USO) Caucus
  • Co-Chair of the Military Veterans Caucus.

More on Defense

January 13, 2017 Press Release
U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) released the following statement in support of the nomination of General James Mattis for Secretary of Defense.
December 2, 2016 Press Release
The U.S. House of Representatives today passed critical legislation to strengthen the country’s military and defense, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Vice-Chair of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, worked closely on this legislation and strongly supported its passage.
May 19, 2016 Press Release

This week the U.S. House of Representatives advanced legislation to help support our U.S. military and Veterans.

On Wednesday, the House advanced H.R. 4909, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), to advance vital funding and authorities for the United States Military.


Members of Congress held a press conference highlighting the passage of the NDAA

January 12, 2016 Press Release

Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) released the following statement following the President’s State of the Union Address:

“The President, once again, delivered his laundry list of empty goals and failed policies during his final address to the American people tonight.

While he may be content with the path he has paved, I remain dedicated to leading our nation down a solid road with a brighter, more prosperous future.

December 18, 2015 Press Release

On Thursday, the House advanced H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act. This legislation makes permanent over 20 tax relief provisions and extends a number of other tax relief provisions that expired in 2014.

“This legislation delivers certainty to taxpayers in my district and across the country,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). “This bill prevents tax increases which would have been harmful to our economy and will help strengthen the integrity of tax credit programs to prevent fraud and abuse. This bill is a win for taxpayers.”

December 17, 2015 Bilirakis Blog

Helping people is why I came to Congress. It is the motivation behind everything I do. This year, I am honored to have been a part of many legislative initiatives that will truly help my constituents and families across the nation.

Here are my top 10 success stories of 2015:

November 18, 2015 Press Release

The recent terrorist attacks in Paris are a tragic wake up call to the growing, nefarious spread of radical Islam.  Congress has gotten the message loud and clear - even if the president hasn’t.  Today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) released the following statement:

October 29, 2015 Press Release

Last week, President Obama used his veto power for the fifth time since taking office to reject legislation that would help our military, their families and our country as a whole.

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a crucial piece of legislation that will authorize necessary funds for the Department of Defense to provide our military with the tools they need to defend our country.

This bill represents a remarkable and, unfortunately, rare, display of bicameral bipartisanship.

October 22, 2015 Press Release

Time and time again we hear the complaints regarding politics in Washington. The President himself has expressed frustrations with the partisan atmosphere in our nation’s capital and has asked that Congress work together on issues important to our country.

The President asked and we answered.

Last week, we sent the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to the President’s desk for signature. This crucial legislation will authorize necessary funds for the Department of Defense to provide our military with the tools they need to defend our country.

October 20, 2015 Press Release

Today, Speaker Boehner signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation, which will authorize necessary funds for the Department of Defense to provide our military with the tools they need to defend our country, now heads to the President’s desk.

“I’m glad to see the strong bipartisan and bicameral support for this legislation,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “As we face an unprecedented amount of national security threats, this bill is crucial to ensure our military is prepared and we, as Americans, are safe.”