As the unemployment remains unacceptably high, promoting job creation must be a priority for Congress. Small businesses and entrepreneurs create jobs, not the federal government and to foster real economic growth Congress must reform the tax code and relieve the burden of excessive regulations on our nation’s job creators. Economic prosperity for our region will not come from bureaucrats in Washington or Tallahassee, but from the hard work and ingenuity of the American people. Instead of more handouts, government needs to give a "hand up" to those in our communities who want to pursue their own unique vision of the American dream. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on the Environment and the Economy, Congressman Bilirakis advocates for modernizing and reducing excessive and ineffective regulations that are standing in the way of local job creation.

Tourism and travel employ over one million Floridians. In recent years, tourism to Florida has resulted in more than $70 billion for its economy. According to VISIT Florida, every 85 visitors to our state results in a new job created. That is why I have introduced the Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and Modernization Act, which would extend the activities of Brand USA - a public-private partnership that markets the United States as a tourism destination - through 2020. This will continue to bring jobs and economic growth to Florida.